There seems to be a growing trend in the EHL, with teams choosing extremely talented youngsters over wise old veterans. Apart from James Fair and Chris Hibbert in the premier league, and Simon Mason and Ian Williamson in the West conference, I think most goalkeepers in the national league are the other side of 30. With Stubbings at Canterbury, Gibson at Loughborough, Bailey at Reading, Brooklands' new starter at around 19-22, there is an increasing number of young goalkeepers at the most elite level in the country. With talented goalkeepers not really expected to start showing their class until 24 and not really expected to get into their stride until they are in their late 20s or reach 30, there is not much expectation on them playing so high so young.
Whereas a veteran in between the sticks offers a team a considerably consistent presence, having great awareness to be able to read the play, a youngster may slip up occasionally and this could have a knock-on effect on their performance as they struggle to process being scored on. However, if they are able to grow in their mental strength, and continue to perform well, then they can only grow, making inroads and leaps and bounds and effectively playing just as well as a goalkeeper more senior than them, providing their club with a long term presence. If the trend continues, I think the talent base for England will grow incredibly, with the competition for places domestically and within the international set-up being incredibly tight (that is, if the GB coaches acknowledge the presence of the quality available!).
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