What is a sweeper keeper in football?: Explained

The goalkeeping position has developed over the last decade

The goalkeepers job description is perhaps the dullest on paper. It is also the simplest of them; To stop the ball from going into the goalpost. The goalkeeper is the only player who has the luxury of A goalkeeper’s job description perhaps appears to be the dullest on handling the ball. He/she can so only in the penalty area.

Traditionally, a goalkeeper has only been considered a pure goal stopper and a contributor to the defense of the team. However, over time it was realized that the keeper may be able to contribute to the team in a more attacking way. Legendary footballer Johan Cruyff had famously said, “In my team, the goalkeeper in the first attacker and the striker is the first defender”.

What is a sweeper keeper?

In simpler terms, a sweeper keeper is a goalkeeper who is not scared of leaving their comfort zone in the penalty box. Sweeper keepers come up to the defensive line of the teams. In some instances, they come up so far that they almost function as a midfielder. The sweeper keeper tactic represents a more attacking style of football.

The keeper coming ahead has massive tactical advantages for his/her team. While defending, if the keeper is comfortable coming down the line, he can intercept a long pass from the pressing teams midfield before the opposing striker has a chance to receive the pass. Additionally, if the pressing team manages to chip the ball over the defensive line, the keeper can come down and intercept the ball instead of giving the striker a clear shot of the goal. And as the keeper is not deep in the box, it gives him much better passing options.

On the other hand, when the team is looking to press, the keeper can come ahead to send the field up. As the keeper essential functions as a midfielder, it can pass the ball directly into attacking positions instead of playing short passes. A keeper coming ahead makes the team more focused on pressing towards the opposition goal instead of worrying about position of the back third.

In simple terms a normal keeper commands his penalty box, whereas a sweeper keeper tries to command the whole back third of the pitch, they’re not afraid to leave their box and play as an outfield player.

What are the qualities needed in a sweeper keeper?

A sweeper-keeper needs to be good with the ball at their feet. They need to be in control of the ball and good with interceptions. Moreover, they need to be good at being able to make tackles and should be accurate with both their short and long passes. Moreover, a sweeper keeper needs to be able to express confidence whenever they leave the box.

Who are some sweeper keepers in football currently?

 A lot of teams and managers have realised the importance of a sweeper keepers and almost all top teams imply the services of one. German national Manuel Neuer, who is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers of this generation was a sweeper keeper. Another keeper, Gianluigi Buffon who is widely considered to be one of the best keepers of all time was an excellent sweeper keeper.

In more recent memory, Barcelona's Marc Andre ter Stegen is know to be a sweeper keeper. Other sweeper keepers in contemporary top flight football include Manchester United's new signing Andre Onana and Manchester City's Ederson.