JASPER CILLESSEN: THE BACKUP KEEPER WHO IS BETTER THAN MOST OF THE MAIN KEEPERS

Jasper Cillessen, the Dutch goalkeeper had a splendid game against Sevilla for a semifinal spot in Copa Del Rey. Cillessen made two crucial saves in the first half including a penalty from Banega which were decisive for the progress of the Catalans. Barcelona won the match with an aggregate score of 6-3 and are looking to add another title to their shelf.

Last night left behind a big question towards the Barcelona board. Does Cillessen actually deserve a bench warmer role in Barcelona? Valverde, Barca's coach always prioritises Ter Stegen ahead of the Dutch International. Cillessen usually starts only on the Spanish Cup matches. But whenever he gets the opportunity, he brings out his best for the club. The match against Sevilla was just another example of him showing his quality and dedication.






Sergi Roberto hailed praises upon Cillessen after the match:

"Cillessen made two key saves, if Banega scored the penalty or Cillessen didn't save the other chance, it would have been a different game. I'm happy for him, he had a brilliant match. And it's great to get through.
"We knew that we had to turn around a difficult result. Not scoring in the first leg meant that we knew if they scored, we needed four. We played a complete game."

Cillessen started his senior career at NEC in 2008. At the end of 2010-11 season, he got the Gelderland Footballer of the Year. Ajax scouted him and announced his signing on 2011. He played a total of 101 matches in front of the sticks for the Dutch club. He won the AFC Ajax Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.






It is obvious that Elite clubs will sign those players who are special in their own respective positions. As a result, Barcelona brought Cillessen to Camp Nou in 2016. The prime objective was to fill the void left by Claudio Bravo who joined Manchester City. Cillessen played 28 games so far for the Catalan giants while most of them are the Spanish Cup matches.

Cillessen is blessed with quick reflexes. He is good in stopping short range shots as well as long rangers. Standing at 185cm, the 29-year-old is also capable of clearing aerial balls well.

After the departure of Bravo, Ter Stegen cemented his place well on the starting lineup. The German is an ideal addition for Barca's possession-based style of play. Considering his recent form and confidence, no one can argue with Valverde to replace the German with Cillessen.

The one thing that separates those two is the ball distribution which MATS has an advantage over Cillessen. Ter Stegen is really good at supplying quality long balls and in maintaining possession. Cillessen is not that great in long balls and it is considered as one of his weakness. Yesterday, Barca conceded a goal against Sevilla due to a poor clearance from Cillessen.





It is not a big deal to give some more playing time for the Dutch keeper. MATS and Cillessen are two great friends on and off the field. I think Ter Stegen would be more than happy to see his friend starting for the team often.

Valverde can use both Cillessen and Ter Stegen alternatively in matches or can assign either one of them in La Liga and the other in UCL. It should be apt for the overall growth of the club and harmony between the players.

The future of Cillessen in Camp Nou is still hanging on the air. Last summer, both Liverpool and Arsenal were interested in the Dutch International. But he opted to stay at the Club. I wish him all the best and hope he gets the playing time which he deserves. #Visca El Barça










22 comments:

  1. Very Interesting Article. I am not a big soccer fan, but I do wish we had it here in the states like we do american football. It's strange that we don't. The rest of the world is hugely into it.

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    1. Yes you are right. But I am a fan of MLS. Thanks for reading.

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  2. My husband is a huge soccer fan. I am going to share this article with him.

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  3. I don't watch football that much, but I must appreciate the way you have written the complete article.

    Well done buddy.

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  4. I know nothing about soccer so this was very insightful. My cousin loves soccer so I will share this with him.

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  5. Cillessen is a great goalkeeper. Nice article.

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    1. He deserves more playing time. Thanks for reading.

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  6. Directly forwarding this to my soccer fan of a husband!

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  7. Seems like a great player and a deserving person. Good luck to him

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  8. That's awesome and the pics are really great. Blog with pics make sense for me and I love reading your blog.

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  9. Very interesting read! I don't really follow soccers but I feel you love for it in this article!

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  10. It would be a bit of a bummer to have to sit out on the sidelines all the time! Hopefully he starts being able to play more.

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  11. I remember my friends talking about him. I can't relate cause I'm not a big fan of soccer. Sad.

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  12. He looks pretty fine and good looking. Soccer is not a big thing in my country though.

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