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England legend Gordon Banks: 'Jabulani' 2010 World Cup ball destroying goalkeeping
Harsh words for Adidas from World Cup winner...
3 Jun 2010 18:45:00
By Matt Monaghan
England legend Gordon Banks has blasted the 'Jabulani' World Cup ball as being so light-weight it is "destroying the art of goalkeeping."
Banks rose to fame as the man between the posts when the Three Lions lifted the trophy in 1966. Football technology has advanced since then, with the heavy, leather balls of his times being replaced by the light, multi-panelled versions of today.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Banks added to the widespread criticism of the tournament's ball from current players such as David James, Iker Casillas and Julio Cesar.
"For me it's a bit of a joke actually. I think this is destroying the art of goalkeeping and I mean that sincerely," Banks said.
"We've already heard from international goalkeepers saying how bad this is for them so you can expect in this World Cup a lot of mistakes.
"This is a lighter ball than they play with in the Premier League and for me it is very, very stupid.
"It's too light and moves about in the air up and down, and side to side. It doesn't give the goalkeeper a chance.
"I think as well, it is one of the reasons we are not producing young goalkeepers in this country.
Imagine a young lad of eight years old playing in goal and he drops a couple of these balls that are swerving around and they'll just want to play out-field."
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Banks rose to fame as the man between the posts when the Three Lions lifted the trophy in 1966. Football technology has advanced since then, with the heavy, leather balls of his times being replaced by the light, multi-panelled versions of today.
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Speaking to Sky Sports News, Banks added to the widespread criticism of the tournament's ball from current players such as David James, Iker Casillas and Julio Cesar.
"For me it's a bit of a joke actually. I think this is destroying the art of goalkeeping and I mean that sincerely," Banks said.
"We've already heard from international goalkeepers saying how bad this is for them so you can expect in this World Cup a lot of mistakes.
"This is a lighter ball than they play with in the Premier League and for me it is very, very stupid.
"It's too light and moves about in the air up and down, and side to side. It doesn't give the goalkeeper a chance.
"I think as well, it is one of the reasons we are not producing young goalkeepers in this country.
Imagine a young lad of eight years old playing in goal and he drops a couple of these balls that are swerving around and they'll just want to play out-field."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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