Senne Lammens’ arrival at Manchester United has sparked debate about his true potential. While statistics paint a picture of a top-class goalkeeper, a closer look reveals both strengths and weaknesses. Lammens excels in shot-stopping and displays intelligence in one-on-one situations. However, his eagerness to claim crosses can be a liability, particularly in set-piece scenarios. His ball-playing ability is adequate but may need refinement to cope with the Premier League’s intensity. Lammens has the raw tools to succeed, but adapting to the demands of English football will be crucial for his development.
Manchester United's latest addition, Senne Lammens, has arrived from Royal Antwerp with a wave of statistical fanfare. Signed on the transfer window's final day, the young goalkeeper is touted as a potential solution to United's goalkeeping concerns, edging out Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez in the process. But how good is Lammens, really? Can he truly challenge for the coveted number one spot at Old Trafford?
According to data, Lammens is exceptional. Club sources highlight his impressive metrics in claimed crosses, shot-stopping, and a notable lack of errors leading to goals. His shot-stopping numbers are particularly eye-catching. He topped Europe's top 10 leagues last season with 173 total saves, boasting a remarkable 77.4% save percentage. Using expected goals (xG) data, he conceded 48 goals against an expected 66.4, preventing an impressive 18.4 goals, placing him second in Europe. These numbers paint a picture of a world-class goalkeeper, but data alone rarely tells the whole story.
Image source, Getty ImagesSenne Lammens is Manchester United's latest signing
To understand Lammens' true potential, a deep dive into his performances is necessary. How does he handle one-on-one situations? How reliable is he when facing shots from distance? And can he truly address United's well-documented vulnerability from crosses and set-pieces?
When facing an attacker in a one-on-one situation, Lammens displays intelligence. He's quick off his line, narrowing the angle for the striker. He holds his position, making himself big and forcing the attacker to make a decision. He avoids going to ground prematurely, reducing the risk of conceding a penalty or being rounded. However, if the attacker shoots early, gaps can appear on either side of the keeper, leading to surprisingly easy finishes. In short 1v1s, Lammens does well to close down the angle, however.
Many of Lammens' saves last season came from shots taken further out or with defenders obstructing the view. He often adopts a slightly advanced position, reducing the angle for opponents. By stepping forward, shots aimed for the top corner become potentially saveable. This positioning allows him to get his body behind shots, making saves look routine. The downside is that early shots or those through a crowd can be difficult to react to.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Lammens' game is his ability to deal with crosses. The data suggests he is among the best in Europe. He ranked first in Europe's top leagues for crosses stopped with 13.2%. But watching him reveals a more nuanced picture. Lammens is proactive in coming for crosses, confidently claiming aerial balls. In the Belgian Pro League, many crosses were uncontested, allowing him to dominate. However, in set-piece situations, particularly corners, his eagerness can be a liability. He sometimes misjudges the flight of the ball, attempting to catch or punch when he should stay on his line. He conceded eight goals from 85 corners faced last season.
Lammens rushes out, misjudging the flight of the ball, leading to a header scored at the back post from a free-kick
Lammens is comfortable using both feet. He facilitates quick build-up play by using his left foot to pass to the right centre-back. His long passing is more accurate towards the left flank. However, under pressure, he tends to launch the ball long, leading to contested duels. Despite showing confidence on the ball, one European club passed on him due to concerns about his ball-playing ability. However, he actively shows for the ball, offering a back pass option to his teammates.
In conclusion, Senne Lammens is a promising goalkeeper with impressive statistics, but these numbers require careful interpretation. He's tall, confident, calm, proactive, and imposing. He has shown quality from distance and in one-on-one situations. He possesses the raw attributes to become a well-rounded goalkeeper. However, he will face significant challenges adapting to the Premier League's physicality, intense set-piece preparation, and aggressive pressing. Whether he can overcome these hurdles will determine if he becomes Manchester United's long-term goalkeeping solution.