1.Leader

Arguably one of the most important positions on the soccer field is the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is the back-stop, brick-wall and last line of defense that cannot win a game, but only save it. A goalkeeper is the leader of the field and must take charge on and off the field in numerous ways.

2.Smart

A goalkeeper must be able to think about the fastest, most effective and smartest way to execute a decision. This all comes from a player’s goalkeeping IQ, or in other words; experience. It is difficult to make a decision in less than a second. However, the more experience a goalkeeper gets, the easier decisions are to decide.

3. Fearless

A goalkeeper doesn’t fear the shot, he or she fears not saving it. Goalkeepers cannot have any fear in any aspect of the game. It could be a matter of taking a save off the face that ultimately determines the score of a game.

4. Aggressive

Many times throughout a soccer game, a goalkeeper is faced with many decisions: whether to come out or not, whether to throw or punt, whether to punch, catch or perry, whether to make a pass or to clear the ball. Something that all of these decisions have in common is whether or not to be an aggressive goalkeeper.

5. High pain tolerance

It is important to be an aggressive keeper because the quicker a keeper can prevent dangerous situations, the better. However, being an aggressive goalkeeper may involve putting your body on the line for your team. Having a high pain tolerance is helpful when you get that cleat to the face, knee to the head or even just simple turf burn that continues to reopen every time you slide against the turf.

6.  Passionate

Goalkeepers do not choose their position because they drew the shortest straw; it’s chosen because of the love and passion for the game.

7. Cheerful

A soccer team’s emotions are sparked by the goalkeeper. No matter what is happening during the game, a goalkeeper’s body language is what will carry the team. It is very important for a goalkeeper to be emotionally strong and calm in every situation that may arise throughout a game. There is no worse feeling than that of letting in a goal. However, your team depends on you to keep them optimistic and confident when the score may not be in your team’s favor.

8. Vocal

A goalkeeper is said to have the best seat in the house, which is why he or she must be the eyes, ears and mouth on the soccer field. From the perspective of a goalkeeper, you not only see the whole play develop, but what also blindsides your teammates. It is very crucial for every goalkeeper to be the most vocal player on the field. Your teammates depend on you to tell them what they cannot see, what they do not know is coming and what to do in certain situations.

9. Confident

Confidence is one of the most important traits for any athlete to have. As a goalkeeper, having confidence is something that will help you execute decisions without hesitation. You must live and die with the decisions you make. If it turns out to be the wrong decision, do what you can to keep the ball out of the net and do it with confidence.

10. Unique

It takes a special person to be a goalkeeper.