In Focus: It takes a special kind of footballer to be a goalie

Goalkeepers are the last line of defence for teams around the world — and it takes a special kind of footballer to pull on the gloves. 

Larger-than-life characters such as Bruce Grobbelaar and Rene Higuita will always be fondly remembered for their exploits between the sticks. 

But as any custodian will tell you, it is easy to go from hero to villain in the battle to be a club’s No1.

That is why BT Sport explored the secret life of goalkeepers in a new documentary called The Special 1, which airs for the first time this week. 

Current Premier League custodians Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben Foster reveal all to presenter Richie Driss, as do former keepers Rob Green, Shay Given and Neville Southall.

Stunning saves and gaffes galore

Stunning saves and embarrassing gaffes feature in equal measure as Driss — once an aspiring goalie himself in his youth — explores one of the beautiful game’s most unique positions.

And in the words of the legendary Gianluigi Buffon, it takes a certain type of person to want to play there. 

Buffon, 44, said: “You score goals as a kid. Then you grow up stupid and become a goalkeeper.”

Artur Boruc, still going strong with Legia Warsaw at the age of 41, and former keeper Brad Friedel are clearly of the same opinion as their Italian contemporary. 

Former Celtic, Southampton and Bournemouth No1 Boruc said: “Being a goalkeeper is like being the guy in the military who makes the bombs — one mistake and everyone gets blown up.”

Friedel, who played for Liverpool and Blackburn, added: “For a goalkeeper, there is no hiding place.”

Green, 42, features prominently throughout the BT show to debunk a few myths that have haunted keepers around the globe for years.

And get ready to look away when he reveals how his fingers look after years of stopping stinging shots — it is not a sight for the squeamish. 

England No1 Pickford is also on hand to share his penalty shootout tips in a must-watch segment for all aspiring stoppers.

Though largely a light-hearted affair, the documentary takes a close look at how mental health affects footballers. 

Dr Dirk Enke, the father of former German international Robert, talks candidly about the strain the game put on his son, who took his own life aged 32 in 2009.

So whether you already admire the work of your club’s keepers, or want to learn more about what it takes to keep the ball out of the net, be sure to tune in.

The Special 1 airs for the first time on BT Sport 1 on Tuesday at 10.45pm.