Is Man Utd's New Keeper Lammens the Real Deal?

Manchester United has secured the signing of Senne Lammens, a promising goalkeeper from Royal Antwerp, on the final day of the summer transfer window. Lammens emerged as an attractive option over other candidates, including Aston Villa's Emiliano Martínez. This article delves into Lammens' strengths and weaknesses, backed by performance data from last season, to assess his potential as Manchester United's first-choice keeper.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Senne Lammens ranked first in Europe for total saves (173) and save percentage (77.4%) last season.
• He prevented 18.4 goals, showcasing his shot-stopping ability with a significant xG difference.
• Lammens has strong command over crosses but may need to improve on defending set-pieces.
• His ball-playing ability is promising, yet he faces challenges with pressing and turnovers.
• Height and agility give him the potential to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Senne Lammens: A Rising Star

Senne Lammens, who stands at an impressive 6ft 4in, has made a name for himself as a shot-stopper in the Belgian Pro League. His statistics from last season are compelling. He ranked first among goalkeepers in Europe’s top leagues with 173 total saves and boasted a 77.4% save percentage. With an xG (expected goals) of 66.4, he only conceded 48 goals, indicating he prevented 18.4 goals compared to what was anticipated. Such figures highlight his potential to become a key player for Manchester United.

Understanding Shot-Stopping Ability

When analysing Lammens, it is critical to differentiate between various types of one-on-one (1v1) situations. Long 1v1s involve attackers approaching from a distance, while short 1v1s occur when the attacker is close to the goal. Lammens exhibits intelligence in his approach to these scenarios, using his speed to close down attackers and narrow angles. However, he has shown some flaws that could become apparent in the more competitive environment of the Premier League.

Long and Short 1v1 Situations

In long 1v1 situations, Lammens tends to position himself well, making himself large and forcing attackers into making difficult decisions. He avoids going to ground prematurely, reducing the likelihood of conceding penalties. Nonetheless, if an attacker shoots early, he may leave space on either side, resulting in seemingly easy finishes.

In contrast, during short 1v1s, Lammens effectively closes down angles without overcommitting to one side. He prefers to stand square, utilising a wide stance to create a barrier. This method, akin to a cricket keeper's position, showcases his strong physical presence and excellent reactions. His ability to make saves with his legs in these situations further solidifies his reputation as a competent shot-stopper.

Performance Context: The Belgian Pro League vs. the Premier League

Most of Lammens' shots faced last season originated from distance, often with defenders in front of him. While he performed well against lower-quality opponents, the challenge intensifies in the Premier League due to the improved quality of strikers. Additionally, his proactive approach to positioning can yield mixed results. Standing a few yards off his line can help him save shots that might otherwise be un-saveable from a deeper position. However, this also means he has less time to react to unexpected shots.

Cross Management: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Club sources have noted Lammens' exceptional ability to stop crosses, ranking him first in Europe for crosses stopped (13.2%). This statistic is particularly appealing to Manchester United, whose struggles with defending corners have been well documented. However, closer analysis reveals the need for caution regarding these numbers.

Lammens tends to be proactive, confidently coming off his line to claim aerial balls, particularly in situations where he faces fewer threats. This eagerness is beneficial; however, it can lead to misjudgements during set-pieces, where he has faced criticism for conceding goals due to poor positioning or judgement. Last season, he conceded eight goals from 85 corners faced, putting him at a 9% goal-conceding rate from corners—a significant improvement over last season's United keeper, André Onana, who conceded 17.2%.

Ball-Playing Ability and Adaptation to the Premier League

As a modern goalkeeper, Lammens has demonstrated decent ball-playing skills. Although primarily right-footed, he is comfortable using both feet for short passes, which aids in maintaining a fluid build-up. When pressured, however, he often resorts to launching long balls, which can lead to turnovers. This aspect might raise concerns, especially since a top-flight club recently passed on him due to worries about his ability to cope under pressing situations.

His willingness to show for the ball after passing demonstrates his confidence, which can help ease pressure on his teammates. However, he will need to adapt quickly to the demanding nature of the Premier League, where pressing is more prevalent than in the Belgian Pro League.

Potential Challenges Ahead

While Lammens exhibits many attributes of a future star goalkeeper, he faces several challenges as he transitions to the Premier League. The league's physicality, combined with the need for more robust preparation for set-pieces, will test his skills. His ability to adapt to a more intense playing style will be crucial if he aims to secure a long-term position as Manchester United's first-choice keeper.

Conclusion: A Bright Future?

In summary, Senne Lammens possesses the raw tools necessary to develop into a top goalkeeper. His impressive shot-stopping capabilities, combined with his height and calmness under pressure, make him a promising addition to Manchester United's squad. However, as he transitions to a more demanding league, his ability to refine his skills and adapt to new challenges will be vital for his success. With the right coaching and support, Lammens could establish himself as a key player for years to come.

FAQs

What are Senne Lammens' strengths as a goalkeeper?

Senne Lammens excels in shot-stopping, particularly in one-on-one situations, and has shown strong command over crosses. His height and quick reactions are significant assets that enhance his performance.

How did Lammens perform in the Belgian Pro League?

In his last season, Lammens ranked first in Europe for total saves and had a remarkable save percentage of 77.4%. He also prevented 18.4 goals beyond expectations, showcasing his effectiveness.

What challenges might Lammens face in the Premier League?

Moving to the Premier League presents challenges like adapting to a faster pace, dealing with more physical strikers, and improving his set-piece management, particularly during corners.

Is Lammens good with his feet?

Yes, Lammens displays proficiency with both feet and can make accurate passes. However, he may need to improve under direct pressing, as he sometimes opts for long clearances that can lead to turnovers.

What is Lammens' height and how does it benefit him?

Standing at 6ft 4in, Lammens' height gives him an advantage in aerial situations and shot-stopping, allowing him to cover more ground and make saves that shorter keepers might miss.

As Manchester United fans eagerly await Lammens' debut, the potential for growth and his adaptability will be key to his success. What do you think his impact will be in the coming season? #SenneLammens #ManchesterUnited #PremierLeague