when anyone starts a statement using With respect you know they mean exactly the opposite, which is clearly proven by your inability to recognise my statement qualifying that other aspects are (albeit not insignificant I agree)Rileybobs wrote: ↑Tue Mar 30, 2021 3:02 pmWith respect it is utter garbage to suggest that the keeper’s primary job is his only job. Ronaldo wouldn’t get very far with that attitude today as most forwards in world football, with the exception of the very best few, are expected to do more than just score goals.
Do you expect international full backs to be able to join in the attack and provide assists? After all, their primary job is to defend.
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1st job - keep the ball out of the net - Pope is the better player for that
Secondary aspects of the role include supporting the ball retention and distribution, now here's the thing (I really cant be bothered to find the data, its there on Twitter) but I have seen the stats for England that clearly demonstrate that Pope is also better in that regard too, but the media peddle this unproven belief that Pickford is better. Its probably based on the situations where Pickford plays a risky pass and it comes off (much like the "one for the cameras" saves some keepers used to do).