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Randolph’s Replacement?

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Many Birmingham City fans have been debating which new goalkeeper the Blues will bring in, in order to fill the spots that were cemented by Darren Randolph and Colin Doyle. However, a debate that we need two new goalkeepers is not right, in my opinion.

As an avid watcher of the youth team for the past couple of years, I have seen a starlet develop. Nick Townsend has all of the attributes to be an outstanding goalkeeper for years to come. He joined the club at the age of 12 and so knows the ethos and the mentality that transcends around the Blues, as well as being a Bluenose himself which no doubt will equate to undying passion.
His ability to command the box is remarkable for a man of such tender years and this has been noticeable in his handling of crosses in particular, the crosses from corners.

This is a great asset for the club to have, as it will give the defenders confidence. He also has brilliant reflexes and is the best shot stopper I have witnessed at the Blues in many years. I have never seen a man who is so physically broad, be so flexible. He truly has impressed me and I believe that he is ready to take up the position as second choice goalkeeper next year.

The argument many pose, is that he may not be ready for this standard. Yes, the development league is not as good as the Championship, but he is leaps and bounds above the usual standard that is displayed at that level.

That leaves the question, who will be our first choice goalkeeper?

The first candidate I decided was Maarten Stekelenburg.

The former Dutch number one has had an injury hit first season in the championship with Fulham, however the risk of injury, I believe, is a small risk that is well worth taking for such a quality player. An international goalkeeper who has been praised for his excellent shot stopping is surely someone who the Blues should consider. At 30 years of age, he has acquired experience but still is at a peak level to remain playing at a high standard for many years to come. The downside is that there is reported interest from Southampton who can outbid Birmingham City and the appeal of Premier League and even European football may appeal to the former Roma shot stopper.

Therefore, I do not believe that he should be made a priority by the club.

After several hours of pondering the question, I settled upon one man.
Daniel Bentley reminds me of a young David De Gea. No, it`s not just the swanky hair style and the slightly slim build. He has the reaction time of a cat and the ability to distribute the ball directly to a forward. The range of his passing would not be out of place in the middle of the park, and this has led to numerous counter attacks by Southend United this season.

Still relatively young, he has the potential to grow under the guidance of the Birmingham City staff. As a 21 year old man, many people will question his experience. He has made 98 appearances for Southend in League Two and 2 appearances on loan so he has made 100 appearances at a high level. He kept 12 consecutive clean sheets two seasons ago and was included in the Team of The Year for League Two in the last campaign. He will be relatively cheap and I believe he will be a great signing if Gary was to pursue him.



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