Arsenal scout and goalkeeping coach tweeted his admiration for Hamburg keeper Julian Pollersbeck’s style in possession, after the German club’s match at the weekend.
Pollersbeck was in the team for the first time since January, as he usually plays as a back up keeper. He certainly caught the eye against Hertha Berlin, considering how much time he spent on the ball.
Only Rick van Drongelen spent more time in possession than the goalkeeper for Hamburg. Jann-Fiete Arp was the sole member of the starting eleven to complete a greater percentage of his passes.
That was largely thanks to the German’s positioning, which Arsenal’s Steven Fraser noted on Twitter:
Very interesting positioning in possession from Hamburg's Goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck this weekend, love it! How long until we see a GK play square(ish) with one CB in possession within their own half? #GKQB #11thOutfielder pic.twitter.com/dpPHldQIe0
— Steven Fraser (@soccersteve) March 20, 2018
He also impressed his manager Christian Titz, who told German media: “Julian has done very well in the first game. He played courageously and his opening helped us. Now it’s time to keep working on it and stabilize this way of playing. But that applies to the entire team.”
Of course, it’s no surprise to see Arsenal scouts checking out goalkeepers at the moment. The position is reportedly one of four which Sven Mislintat wants to strengthen this summer. Plus, it’s clear on the pitch the current goalkeepers aren’t performing well enough.
The verdict is probably still out on whether Pollersbeck is the answer to the problem. The 23-year-old has barely played this season after all.
Though, given Transfermarkt value him at £1.58m and Hamburg are set for relegation, he probably wouldn’t be difficult to sign if Arsenal are interested.