Goalkeepers have to move with the times, says Chelsea’s Begovic

The emergence of the ‘sweeper-keeper’ in recent years has been one of the greatest innovations in football yet, and Chelsea’s veteran stopper Asmir Begovic admits being between the sticks now is a totally different ball game to when he started out.

The Premier League boasts some of the greatest shot stoppers in the world including David de Gea, Petr Cech, Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris – but few would argue against Manuel Neuer’s position as the world’s best goalkeeper.

The German FIFA Ballon d’Or nominee combines sublime shot-stopping with an unrivalled dominance of his penalty area and often beyond, which puts him in a league of his own.

And for 29-year-old Bosnian Begovic, the biggest ever change to the goalkeeping craft came with the introduction of the back-pass rule, with No.1’s now needing to be more skilful and fitter than ever.

“Ever since that rule it has changed, it has affected the game a lot,” he said. “The goalkeeper more than any other position.

“We have had to evolve so much over the last few years and there is an emphasis more than ever to be able to play with your feet, start attacks and be comfortable doing that.

“A goalkeeper these days is also as fit as the outfield players. Before, years ago, goalkeepers could get away with it but now it is important you are as fit as everyone else.

“The fitness work you do is very important for the agility, and fitness in football has changed a lot. Everyone is fitter and stronger and it is the same with goalkeepers.

“The game is faster so we have had to respond. The goalkeepers have used the gym work and the fitness work to make ourselves faster so we can deal with the ball.

“It is about taking care of your body and making sure we can cope with the general demands of the work, each and every day.

“Fitness as well helps with your general well-being and concentration during games. The fitter you are, the longer you can stay concentrated.”