Goalkeeping has evolved rapidly in last 10 years: Van Hout

Delhi Dynamos FC Belgian custodian Kristof van Hout Tuesday said the art of goal-keeping has evolved significantly in the last 10 years with modern shot-stoppers having "two contrasting yet equally effective styles".

"Goalkeepers from 10 years ago and today are markedly different. The evolution has been dramatic. Everyone now talks about guys like (Manuel) Neuer, (Iker) Casillas and (Thibaut) Courtois. It is difficult to compare them because these guys have different styles as compared to keepers who played when I was a kid," Van Hout said.

"Neuer is spectacular in a way because he rushes off his line ever so often to thwart an attack. The American goalie, Tim Howard, showed his quality in the World Cup. He doesn't come off his line like some European keepers do. He relies more on his reflexes and shot stopping ability. It's not bad, but they're two contrasting yet equally effective styles."

Van Hout currently is leading the race for the Golden Glove award, having pulled off 27 saves and kept three clean sheets at the halfway stage of the competition.

The keeper, all of 6ft-10in, doesn't consider his height an intimidating factor on the pitch, but tries to use it to his advantage, pointing out that fellow Indian goalies Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Atletico de Kolkata) and Rehenesh T.P. (NorthEast United FC) don't have a big frame but are effective.

He is also impressed with his team's reserve goalkeeper Jagroop Singh who has "huge promise".

"Jagroop has been fantastic in training. I can't really speak about the other guys much because I've watched just a couple of games. It's easier for me to talk about Jagroop since we work together every day. We have goalkeeper training for almost 45 minutes every day and I think he's already improved tremendously. He's learned a lot," the 27-year-old said.

He also expressed his joy at getting a chance to share the dressing room with "a legend like Alessandro Del Piero" and hoped that ISL will benefit Indian players and it has already garnered huge international and local interest.

"Yes, for sure, it's a huge event. There are a lot of people watching the games on TV and in the stadiums. There's a lot going on in the newspapers. People want to read about the sport. It's very important to do this and to improve Indian football," he said.