Valencia CF goalkeepers staying sharp during lockdown

Valencia CF's three goalkeepers have been making the most of cutting edge exercises and technology to keep sharp during lockdown in Spain. Jaume Doménech, Jasper Cillessen and Cristian are working on fitness, coordination and positioning -despite a lack of teammates taking shots on goal against them.

Some aspects, however, will need to be readapted to upon their return to action. Getting used to making diving saves again, organising defensive positioning and other aspects typical to goalkeeping simply cannot be trained alone, although personalised videos help the three shotstoppers to be aware of where they need to be during play.

Videos also demonstrate where they have previously made mistakes in games and training sessions, and the advantage of having time on their hands mean that the trio can visualise perfect reactions to correct any mistakes. This mental work enables them to keep their decision-making skills finely honed, without being on the pitch.

There is physical work to be done, of course. Even in reduced spaces, specific exercises can be undertaken to practice skills, whilst a comprehensive fitness routine has been devised by the VCF coaching staff. The intention is to ensure that readaptation takes as little time as possible when the players are given the all-clear to train with their teammates again.