The first goalless draw of Euro 2020 showed both sides of Robin Olsen – the good and the bad.
On one hand, the veteran shot-stopper was nigh-on unbeatable between the sticks. A truly world-class save to keep out a point-blank Dani Olmo header set the tone for what was perhaps the finest goalkeeping performance of the tournament so far.
On the other, while Olsen’s performance looked at times like a scene straight out of Shaolin Soccer, the 31-year-old’s work with the ball at his feet was, well, less impressive.
The Roma glovesman completed just 21 per cent of his passes in Seville, according to WhoScored, his wayward distribution restricting Sweden’s ability to pose a threat on the counter.
So while Everton supporters were queuing up to question why the Toffees decided against triggering the £7 million purchase option in Olsen’s contract, there may be an obvious answer to that particular poser.
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Everton fans focus on Olsen’s Euro 2020 heroics
While Jordan Pickford is hardly Neville Southall, Everton’s long-serving number one is one of the Premier League’s very best when it comes to turning defence into attack with a perfectly placed punt upfield.
In fact, while Olsen completed less than a quarter of his passes against Spain, Pickford’s pass accuracy in England’s 1-0 victory over Croatia was far, far superior – almost 60 per cent.
In the modern game, goalkeepers at the very top level are expected to be not just reliable shot-stoppers but also more-than-useful footballers.
Perhaps that is where Olsen falls short?
Here’s what some Everton fans on Twitter had to say about the situation:
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