Ben Foster has been rightly criticized for his errors that have - or could have - cost Manchester United this season, and most supporters are saying that he just does not have the confidence, but the problem lies deeper than that.
Foster does not lack for confidence, but he is slow with reactions and is very indecisive, and those two things can definitely lead to a dip in confidence.
However, confidence should never be a problem for a player that is being selected manager like Sir Alex Ferguson, because when he calls on a player they should feel as if they are on top of the world.
Of course players can and will get butterflies, or suffer from nerves, but they should never lack for confidence when playing for United. Foster does not suffer from lack of confidence, but he is very indecisive, and that has cost him and United this season.
Near-Sided
A couple of criticisms of Foster can be his inability to not only go to his right, and the safeguarding of his near post.
Goalkeepers are taught to always defend the front post, and force the attacker beat them to the far post, because there is a better chance of a defender being able to clear the ball.
All goalkeepers have a weak side, but when you get to the top-level, they need to minimize their mistakes to their weak side. Goalkeepers have to know when to come off their line and just punch the ball clear, but Foster has not shown that.
Beaten
Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin hit a rocket of a shot past him, but his reaction time was slow. He got his hands to the effort, but his reaction time was too slow, and he knows he should have done better.
Against Sunderland, he can be held accountable for both of their goals, and again it was his slow reaction time and inability to make a decision.
Darren Bent’s effort was well-placed, but his reaction was too slow, and could have gotten there, but his anticipation was not there.
Kenwyne Jones’ goal is a different story, and it showed that he may not have the wherewithal to be a top-class goalkeeper. It was an inviting cross for a 50/50 challenge between Jones and Foster, and the Englishman was indecisive and was easily overpowered by Trinidadian.
Mentor
van der Sar has been one of the most successful goalkeepers of all-time, and United have reaped the benefits by winning the English Premier League three straight years, and back-to-back Champions League final appearances.
Foster should consider himself to be very fortunate, because there are very few young ‘keepers that able to be an understudy to someone of van der Sar’s magnitude.
Foster should watch and take note how van der Sar makes his presence felt, commands his area and has the ability to decide how and when to clear the ball.
If Foster is to remain hopeful of being the future at Manchester United he needs to reduce his mental errors, and should keep this at the front of his mind - “when in doubt, boot it out!”
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