Van Der Sar Player Review

Pros

1. Height

Van der Sar stands at an impressive 6'6" (198 cm), giving him a significant height advantage over many other goalkeepers. This height allows him to cover more of the goal, making it harder for attackers to find the back of the net, especially on high or wide shots. His long reach is particularly effective when diving for shots that are aimed towards the top corners, often making saves that shorter goalkeepers would struggle with.

2. Reflex and Diving

Van der Sar’s reflexes are exceptional, enabling him to react quickly to shots from close range or unexpected deflections. His diving ability complements this, allowing him to make full-stretch saves across the goal. Whether it’s a powerful shot from distance or a quick, close-range attempt, his reflexes and diving skills give him a significant edge in keeping the ball out of the net.

3. Reaction and Positioning

His quick reactions are vital in situations where he needs to adjust swiftly to a sudden change in the direction of the ball. Combined with his superb positioning, Van der Sar consistently places himself in the optimal spot to make a save. His awareness and understanding of the game allow him to anticipate where the ball is likely to go, ensuring he's always in the best position to make a stop.

4. One-on-One Situations

Van der Sar excels in one-on-one situations, where he uses his height and agility to make himself as large as possible, forcing attackers to make difficult decisions. His ability to read the play and anticipate the attacker’s movements often leads to crucial saves in these high-pressure scenarios, making him one of the best goalkeepers in these moments.

5. Long Thrower Trait

The long thrower trait is a significant asset in Van der Sar’s arsenal. This trait allows him to quickly distribute the ball upfield, launching counter-attacks and putting his team in an advantageous position immediately after making a save. His long throws are accurate and can bypass the midfield, reaching wingers or forwards directly, which is invaluable for teams that play a fast-paced, counter-attacking style.

Cons

1. Inconsistency Against Powerful Shots

While Van der Sar is generally excellent, this particular version has shown some limitations when facing the most powerful shots from top-tier attackers. Occasionally, he struggles to stop driven shots or strikes with high velocity, which can result in conceding goals that he might otherwise save. However, this is a minor issue and not a dealbreaker considering his overall abilities.

2. Gameplay Inconsistency

Like many goalkeepers, Van der Sar can have games where his performance varies. Some matches, he’ll be unbeatable, making every save with ease. In others, he might not perform to the same level, occasionally missing shots he would usually stop. This inconsistency is typical among even the best goalkeepers.

Conclusion

Van der Sar remains a top-tier choice for any team, offering a combination of height, reflexes, and reliability that’s hard to match. While he may have occasional inconsistencies, his ability to dominate in one-on-one situations and his exceptional distribution skills make him an excellent option for players seeking a solid and dependable goalkeeper.

RATING: 9.2/10