James Beadle has been explaining why his role as a goalkeeper is so ‘complicated’.
The demands on James Beadle have dramatically changed over the course of the season, having spent the first half on loan with Oxford United.
The youngster was playing for promotion from League One with The U’s, but has since moved north to battle relegation with Sheffield Wednesday.
Beadle didn’t take very long to claim the number one spot in between the sticks and has now racked up five clean sheets in ten games for the Owls.
Beadle has received high praise for his time in the Championship so far, but has admitted his job is far more ‘complicated’ than fans may think, while he has explained what he has been working on with goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo.
Speaking to The Star, Beadle said: “I don’t think people realise how complicated it actually is – it’s not just about trying to just save it. You’ve got to have good balance which allows you to dive and that sort of thing, and it’s all so important. If one thing is off in a routine to make a save, then you’re not going to make it.
“The routine needs to be perfect, especially at this level when the ball is being struck so hard and so quickly. You need to be set, and that’s the big thing we work on with Sal – being set in every position.
“Once you get on the pitch football is football. You’re just trying to win games. I don’t think what you’re playing for should really affect how you’re playing – if you’re trying to win then it doesn’t matter if you’re at the top or at the bottom. What you do should be the same, and how you’re doing it.”
How good is James Beadle?
James Beadle’s brilliant start to life in Sheffield has meant he is one of the first names on the teamsheet, with the teenager’s ability to play out from the back and come out to claim crosses proving to be pivotal in what Danny Rohl is demanding of his players.
Beadle already has the highest percentage of clean sheets in the Championship (for players who have played more than two games) with 50%, while Leeds United’s Illan Meslier sits on 48.6%.
The England U20 international is understandably very highly rated at Brighton & Hove Albion and, given their lack of a proper ‘number one’ this season, he could well look to challenge for his place with the Seagulls next season.
Meanwhile, Cameron Dawson has struggled to retain his place in goal for a number of seasons now and perhaps it is time for him to move on if he wants regular football.