Donovan Ricketts named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

[Assasin]

words of the great Bruce Arena

He's made 67 appearances for the Jamaican National Team.
Is a veteran of the lower divisions in England.

And has apparently impressed Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena:

"I have known Donovan for a number of years as a goalkeeper with the Jamaican National Team and have always been impressed with his physical qualities. After a closer examination of the player, I am absolutely amazed with his abilities both on and off the field. It is also a position that we felt the need to improve and believe that he will be a great addition to our team and has the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in MLS."

[Assasin]

A wonder where he watched Ricketts? Couldn't be in the Lower leagues and couldn't be with the Jamaican national team at all base on the forum.

[Tilla]

A good coach will know talent when he sees it. If he thinks the player has talent and he sees things he can fix in the player's game, then you have a win-win situation there. Ricketts had potential, Bruce Arena had the know-how to correct his game and make him a winner. BTW, Ricketts was not that far off where he needed to be, just that someone needed to sit him down and point out the flaws in his game. It was obvious that was not being done at Bradford or with the Jamaican national team.

I would always marvel at Ricketts how he did not seem to be growing in his game. Well, he went to the Galaxy and we have seen him grow. I ask myself what has changed. I can point to the coaching of Bruce Arena and the fact that the US produces some of the world's best goalkeepers. Maybe Ricketts just got some of that coaching to help his game.

[Assasin]

could it just make that you never give the man enough credit. Nobody is not saying he didn't improve at LA but he was a damn good keeper before. Based on Bruce statement he never just say talent. He needed someone to come into LA and take over the position right away so he went for Ricketts.

[Tilla]

Anyway Sass, my point in all of this discussion is not whether or not Ricketts is or was a good player. The fact is, he has taken his game to another level that we have not seen from him in all his career. He has grown professionally in his two seasons at LA.

[Mosiah]

let's hope he keeps on top of his game for the WCQs!

[wbvs]

could it just make that you never give the man enough credit. Nobody is not saying he didn't improve at LA but he was a damn good keeper before. Based on Bruce statement he never just say talent. He needed someone to come into LA and take over the position right away so he went for Ricketts.

agree sass
Tilla did not gave Ricketts enough credit , I recall him been a critic
to Ricketts while at Bradford City . Anyhow I always said the best age for
a Goal Keeper is in their Mid 30s and Ricketts years at LA Galaxy
are fruitful . Congrats Mr Ricketts .