Max Colucci

When scouting youth players, what key physical attributes are you looking for?

A goalkeeper’s physical build is fundamental. If we look at the top level of international leagues, goalkeepers are generally quite tall, most are at least 1,90m (6 feet, 3 inches). I read a study recently that quoted a statistic from the World Cup, the average height was 1,94, and that’s from several years ago. Obviously, body types have changed. Today, you find strikers like Lukaku and Dzeko, who are physically imposing players so goalkeepers must also be strong enough physically to compete against those types of forwards.

From a physical point of view, goalkeepers must achieve a level of excellence superior to many other players from a muscular-skeletal standpoint as well as psychological. Goalkeepers must be well-oiled machines. The closer you are to perfection, the more elite a player you can become. Your physical build is important. I call it the motor of an athlete. The technical aspects, at least until 30 years of age, a good goalkeeper trainer can shape, especially when you have strong personalities who are capable of reaching high levels of play. The physical build is one of the principal aspects a scout must analyze to determine someone’s suitability to play professionally.

In your training sessions with goalkeepers, how much time do you devote to the mental preparation in relation to the physical work?

I’m of the opinion that the mental approach is an innate quality. You can improve something, you can develop something that you already intrinsically possess, but to create from scratch a psychological capacity to reach certain levels, I don’t think is possible. 

This is another attitude that is evaluated even at a younger age, in adolescence, because it is an aspect that transpires from the youth. For an older player, performing at a certain level, in front of large crowds, to make a mistake, the reaction is fundamental but I repeat, that is an aspect where a coach can do very little. It must be part of your natural ability.

As most other positions on a team, the GK position has evolved over the years. What is the most critical skill a GK must possess in order to be considered for selection by a scout?

It is obvious that the role of the goalkeeper has changed in the past decade or more. The principal structure of the role is the same, but an element has been added. Today, a goalkeeper is more involved in the construction of play. Often a goalkeeper is called upon in the construction of play as an option in case you have to escape a high press.

I’m of the opinion that we’re still talking about goalkeepers so we can’t lose sight of the fact that he needs to know how to save. He must command his space. A goalkeeper can be strong in the air and defend his goal well, but if he doesn’t have the added aspect of being strong with his feet, he may not reach the highest levels of competition. That is, until the role changes again. I’m already noticing some coaches who are going back. You can’t always play out of the back because it often creates risks. All of the components of the backline, including the goalkeeper, have to have certain qualities. Playing so close to goal invites mistakes, which can cost you.

Today, we talk a lot about defending the goal, but I believe an aspect that is undervalued is aerial ability. I think it’s an element that can make a big difference. A goalkeeper that dominates his goal area, I believe, can save up to 30-40% of scoring chances. I put this quality higher than footwork.