Aston Villa coach Gary Walsh recommended Sam Johnstone as a possible signing.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has told the Birmingham Mail that goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh has been telling him that Sam Johnstone is the best young goalkeeper in the country.
Villa picked up another comfortable victory on Saturday afternoon, as two goals from Jonathan Kodjia helped them to clinch a 2-0 win over Norwich City at Villa Park.
Saturday’s result means that Villa have now won six of their last seven Championship games, keeping clean sheets in each of their wins having formed a much tighter defence in recent weeks.
Whilst Steve Bruce’s defenders deserve great praise for their contribution, much of the credit right now going to goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who is currently on loan from Manchester United.
The January addition, who was brought in to replace Pierluigi Gollini, endured a tricky start to life at Villa Park, but has recently turned in some impressive performances to help Villa on their winning run.
Now, having been heavily criticised in January, Johnstone is now becoming a fan favourite at Villa Park, with many wanting to see him either extend his loan deal into next season, or pen a permanent deal at Villa Park.
After his performance against Norwich, Bruce told the Birmingham Mail that he feels Johnstone is a ‘top class goalkeeper’, and is starting to improve thanks to regular playing time at Villa.
Aston Villa’s Sam Johnstone
Bruce added that Villa goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh has been telling him that Johnstone is ‘the best young goalkeeper in the country’ – a huge claim given how Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford have impressed in the Premier League in recent memory.
“We all knew he was a top class goalkeeper and he’s looking the part now,” said Bruce. “Everyone needs a bit of confidence but with Sam he just needed to play. It’s a specialised position where you have to be patient. Goalkeepers go on until they’re 40 and they’re late starters. The more you play the better you become.”
“He’s starting to look the part as everyone told me he would.” He’s a diamond – first in, last out. He’s a typical goalkeeper who wants to learn. A big pat on the back to my coach, Walshy, too. He’s worked hard with him and has always said to me ‘take him, he’s the best young goalkeeper in the country’. It’s some recommendation,” he added.
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