I still think Reina is one of the best keepers in the league and world. Odd few mistakes each season is bound to happen, he never has a game like de gay at the scum, flapping all game long.
I have not yet seen the Hearts game- assume he was responsible for conceeding but- why on earth would we even consider getting rid of one of the consistently fantastic players that we have who has been great for us year after year? Pepe is the very last player I would consider selling from our squad.
Already said: someone prove my memory wrong. It's always a long range swerving ball low to mid to his right. Specsavers.
He's been poor for over 2 years, IMO. From when he spilt that Arsenal cross into his net in Hodgson's first game up until tonight where he made a Taibi-esque error. He hasn't been the same keeper since Benitez left, and I think its time for Doni, wherever he is, to be given a game ahead of him just to give him a kick up the arse.
I think he needs competition. Let's be honest who is going to replace him? Whether it's deliberate or not, he knows he is going to be number 1 this season and little slips like that aren't going to cost him which might just mean he loses focus now and then. He's still one of the best in the business and it's unfortunate he's just made a couple of errors like that recently and they've both ended with goals. Like Rodgers said, when keepers make errors, it gets highlighted as there is no hiding place, where as an outfield player has 10 mates to cover for him.
True but so far BR has been ruthless: "I'll defend you but..." would it harm us to have him dropped while fit?" What's left on his deal?
Reina has always been prone to the odd howler. Perhaps he has been a little poorer overall recently, but that coincides with the general malaise that's been dogging the whole team. I still think he gives more to the team than he takes away. If anyone can suggest a better keeper (that we actually have a chance of getting) then by all means let's go for him, but until then...
Top keepers win their teams games. Can you honestly say Reina has had a match winning performance in the last 2 years? I can't remember any, but I remember a truck load of mistakes in that time. Thats not including the numerous easy shots he should've saved he's let past. He has made a lot more mistakes than other PL keepers barring the likes of De Gea, Paul Robinson and Green. And De Gea makes up for his weaknesses with his shot stopping, Reina doesn't have any real positive aspects to his game at the moment compared to other keepers, only his kicking perhaps.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but out of all our competitive games I think the Gera goal is the only goal we have conceded that wasn't caused by a stupid defensive mistake.
Is this the preparation of a new scapegoat thread? Reina is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world, yes in the last year or so he has made some bad errors but overall he is still a rock between the sticks. @ Lucas, I think its harsh to highlight his lack of match winning performances, last season we were very strong defensively and dominant offensively so it stands to reason he would have less to do. Also our form against the better sides in that time has been very good and those are the games you would expect Reina would have to perform better. Add to the fact we have generally struggled for goals means despite how Reina performs we are unlikely to win anyway! Reina also fits the new Rodgers system very well because of his ability with the ball at his feet. Who is a realistic and worthy replacement? I cannot think of ANYONE, especially with our budget. I just feel Reina may be missing the Spanish presence that we once had; to go from what 5 or 6(plus Rafa) to just himself must have some sort of psychological effect?
He has been making more and more blunders it seems over the years. But don't think anyone is scapegoating him, just making note that he hasn't quite been at the same level. For the Spanish players, he still has Jose Enrique, Pacheco, Suso, and the South American players as well, but he probably lacks the guys who were around his age in Garcia, Alonso, Arbeloa, Torres, etc.
Yep, not disputing the increase in errors, I think the fact he has not really had to perform heroics in the last 12 months is clouding peoples judgment and making the mistake of thinking he could be easily replaced, make no mistake he has still got it. Pacheco has been gone most of the last 12 months, its more that at one time there was a strong Spanish influence at the club, add to the fact we have gone from challenging to battling to stay in the top 8 and its not really a shock that he is a little under-par or that perhaps the mental side of his game has waned somewhat.
Reina is still one of the best keepers but he is making more mistakes - especially over the past couple of years. He needs some competition and I heard that Doni has left the club. I do feel sorry for Reina because it seems like every mistake he makes results in a goal. In fact, every mistake the team make is punished. I have seen other teams get away with howlers. But we make one or two mistakes in the whole game and it costs us.
Pepe seemed to go downhill after Rafa left and has been making silly mistake for two years now. I still think he is a quality keeper but maybe needs some mentality coaching...?
Just to clear up: I'm in no way suggesting that Pepe is a "bad" keeper. And I know keepers have the same confidence issues with continuity as strikers. Not I repeat not scapegoating but would it be so bad to let him know he has competition for his place on the team? (suggesting he actually does of course lol)
I totally agree that competition for places helps get the best out of players. I said it for a while for Glen Johnson and he has been much better since the emergence of Martin Kelly. Same for England with the likes of Kelly, Smalling, Jones, Walker, Richards, etc challenge Glen for his place However, the keeper position is a little different. We have seen managers try to balance a couple of keepers over the years and it does not seem to work (ask Fergie, he's tried it twice). A keeper needs to feel comfortable, supported and wanted. The defenders need to feel comfortable with the keeper, they need to know they can rely on the man in goal if needed. There needs to be cohesion between defenders and the keeper too, that only comes with playing together.
He is a very good GK going through a bit of a dodgy patch, nothing more, the fact that he never seems to have the same defensive formation/personnel for two games in a row can't help.
