Liverpool is just an ordinary team...

[Karl]

Nice article Karl, interesting stats but again I look at bottom line responsibility of the keeper, those stats are great but many are meaningless in the fundamental comparison.

Let's look specifically at what they face and are responsible for, that is goals scored, shots saved and what this guy mentions which is shots saved versus number of shots on target. In this article above foster is superior to hart his save ratio on direct shots is significantly higher than hart, then let's look at goals conceded even with a significantly weaker defense and team foster has allowed 39 goals while Mignolet has conceded thirty five, pool is at the top of the table and WBA at the bottom yet WBA has only conceded four more goals, that to me is the real bottom line on Mignolet and his average skills compared to others such as foster. If he keeps for Belgium they will have a tough time in Brazil.

I understand what you are saying and agree that the stats are very important but for those stats to tell a true story I am sure you shall admit that the variables would have to be as near zero as possible.

Even your use of the EPL tables and relative position of each 'keeper's team has to factor in relative quality of each team what %age difference on quality. How many points separate each 'keepers team? What exactly were the factors faced by each 'keeper in each of their matches? Let me use just one factor - Number of times each 'keeper faced a 'threat'...miles covered repositioning in game?

I was very careful to say the stats in the article...and indeed the article itself...is very interesting because even those stats..that article...does not tell the complete story.

When you view a 'keeper at work during a session and more so during a number of games 'your computer' record stats that are not hard copy recorded...there is a subconscious recording...a seeing...and therefore a subjective view/opinion formed based on that 'seeing'.