An article from The Telegraph has suggested that any critics of Nottingham Forest star Dean Henderson would be wise to get off his back.
The Reds incumbent has come in for some criticism this season; particularly in recent weeks when Forest have been losing.
It’s perhaps somewhat lazy to go for the goalkeeper when things are going wrong and Henderson is a good stopper.
His distribution can occasionally let him down but that doesn’t mean that he won’t one day become a top goalkeeper.
Last month, the 25-year-old was called up for the England squad so he hasn’t all of a sudden become a bad goalkeeper.
Henderson does appear to have a vice in his game.
The Reds have already conceded 10 goals from outside of the box this season and for context, the Premier League record is 18.
It would appear, as per The Telegraph, however, that it should be necessarily viewed as a slight on Henderson.
They claim that how goalkeepers are measured has never been straightforward. Henderson has actually faced 20 shots from outside the box, with 10 flying into the net.
Head Data Scientist at Goalkeeper.com, claims: “If you used regular xG you might end up thinking Dean Henderson has cost Nottingham Forest around nine goals from long shots, while if you used save percentage you may think he’s cost Forest around six goals from long shots.
“These methods do not count for the fact that Henderson has faced some world-class finish. There have been some bangers.”
Critics should get off the back of Henderson
Henderson has played for Manchester United and England during his career.
As a result, he’s a coup for Forest and any talk of dropping him is rather premature and a little bit harsh.
Any goalkeeper is only as good as his defence and at times that has been shambolic too.
Henderson will remain as the first-choice stopper this season and anyone suggesting otherwise will be in for a shock.
These stats appear to work in the favour of the £120,000-a-week stopper and Forest are extremely lucky to have him.
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