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In an age when modern goalkeeping has strayed towards how much they can add to the collective outfield output, United’s requirements of the starting goalkeeper are more of a throwback to a time of all-rounders, a time before the 12-year reign of David De Gea, who specialised as one of history’s greatest shot-stoppers.
For Alex Stepney, the second-most experienced ’keeper in club history – his 539 games landing fractionally behind De Gea’s 545 – the demand of Lammens is a return to the basics of the job.
“Senne, like all youngsters in his position, needs to show he has the courage to be his own man,” said the European Cup-winning stopper. “So many these days don’t grasp that the 18-yard box – especially the area from the six-yard line to the penalty spot – is theirs to command, no messing. If they do that they will get the instant respect of team-mates and opponents.
“David De Gea took over in 2011 and remember, he was young too but, after a difficult start showed that singular quality the top boys have. Playing for United is a tough, demanding job and one only a few are really cut out for. The best way for Senne to prove it is to want the ball, not to shy away from responsibility; when it comes to the box, he’s the boss.”
Fortunately for Stepney and anyone of a United persuasion, Lammens regards himself as capable of meeting those demands.
“I’m quite all-round, I take pride in that,” explained the Belgian. “Of course, you have working points that you can improve at everything. I like to play from the back also with the team, at my feet. I like to help the team with controlling the space behind the defence, helping my defenders. And, of course, if you want to be a top goalkeeper at this level, you have to be a good shot-stopper, so I think I’m an all-round [goalkeeper]. I can improve also and I’m already eager to start training and improving so that I can take the next step.”
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