Sunday afternoon saw David Stockdale make his first Fulham start in the Premier League. He was in for the injured Mark Schwarzer who suffered a neck injury while on international duty as an earlier article from Dan mentioned. I have to be honest by saying that I was slightly concerned about Schwarzer being injured as he is such a key player for the Whites and is certainly commanding in the penalty area. However, I was made to feel guilty about my worries as the young goalkeeper did his job well between the posts at Craven Cottage. He made some fine saves, especially the one just after Fulham took the lead when he saved a point blank header from an Everton striker.
For being a young guy of only 23, Stockdale is a great prospect for the future and one that I feel will be able to take over from Schwarzer when he retires. Obviously, I hope that Marky stays on for a few seasons yet as no one can deny his importance to Fulham, but it doesn’t hurt to prepare for the future!
Think he did very well indeed. Like you, I was a little nervous when the team was read out but it’s nice to Fulham giving youth a chance. Stockdale’s definitely one for the future.
He did well to keep out that shot that deflected off Hughes in the first half and stood little chance with the goal. He made a telling contribution to Duff’s goal with a long goal kick (just one of many) and looked comfortable kicking off either foot. Those two saves at the end were brilliant and I’m sure he will have taken a lot of confidence from what was a fine performance.
Although I too was a little nervous when I heard that he was playing, I was also rather excited. Obviously, my worry was due to the absence of Schwarzer than anything else, but equally I was happy that Stockdale had been chosen instead of Zuberbuhler. Every time I’ve seen PZ play, he has not impressed. Far from it – he hasn’t exactly looked secure and has made some pretty big blunders too.
The odd time that I’ve seen Stockdale play indicated that he is a good shot-stopper, has a mighty boot, but needs to command his area more – exactly as he demonstrated on Sunday. With the likes of Hangeland in our defences, crosses get cleared pretty well anyway, although Stockdale clearly needs to improve in this facet of his game. Working with Mike Kelly and Schwarzer will no doubt help. Reckon PZ is also teaching him a fair bit too – probably one of the main reasons why he is still at the club.
Making his first competitive appearence for the club will boost his confidence no end – especially as he made some good saves and punches, very few (if any) blunders, and marked his debut with a win over an Everton side that finished 5th last season. It might also make Roy a little less reluctant to play him in the odd game in the future.
It was also interesting how well he was protected. Few awkward crosses for him to deal with, something that Swarzer is great at. Stockdale looked the part though and despite the nerves that you would expect he really made all the right choices and took control of things. His kicking can be used to good advantage too. The first of many great appearances.
Those are good points that Nick and Lighthouse make about the crosses and the manner in which we defended. Come to think of it, I can’t remember Stockdale coming out and claiming a cross in the whole game. Perhaps we defended a little deeper to try and make Everton play in front or around us and limit their ability to get behind us. I certainly think Zuberbuhler is helping Stockdale behind the scenes too, Nick. Somebody who’s observed quite a few training sessions recently said to me on Sunday that he’s also talking to the younger players and is quite a character. That might be why he is still here as I’ve not been filled with confidence whenever he’s been between the sticks either.
I was unable to go Sunday so had the delights of Sky Sports. I saw Stockdale in the flesh for the first time when I went to the pre season game at Peterborough.
There is no doubt he had a steady start, and when needed simply did what was needed. Lighthouse also make agoo point about the protection he seem to get. Murphy also was quick to praise afther the save from Fellini’s header.
I did take particualr notice of him through the game and his positioning at times seemed out (bearing in mind I only ever played in goal as I was the fattest) a couple of time very static when the ball was passed around the edge of the box.
A good start and hopfully more chances via the rotation system we are bound to employ. So far so good but not IMO a ready replacement for Schwarzer.
Back to my trip to Peterborough I would have been behind the sofa rather than on it if Zuber was in goal.