Everton keeper keeps it simple

MAARTEN STEKELENBURG has joined the debate that is raging about goalkeepers and claimed the demands expected of them are being over-complicated. Everton’s No 1 produced an extraordinary performance at Manchester City last Saturday, stopping two penalties from Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne before conjuring a stunning dive to divert a blockbuster from De Bruyne that will be a contender for save of the season. As he prepares to face Burnley at Turf Moor today, he addressed the issue of keepers being comfortable with the ball at their feet but said: ‘The main priority for goalkeepers is saving balls. I come from the Ajax youth academy, I’m used to playing with my feet. I don’t have any problem with that. ‘People should never forget that the main thing for a goalkeeper is saving balls and then everything extra to help the team is a bonus. ‘These days goalkeepers have to be all round. They have to be good with their feet, high balls, the basic goalkeeping stuff.’ Stekelenburg’s form was a key reason the club did not move for Joe Hart when he was made available by City. ‘I moved five times in six years,’ said Stekelenburg. ‘When you have kids it is difficult. I have signed a three-year contract here and hopefully I can stay here for a long time for my family but also for me as a No 1.’ Meanwhile, Burnley boss Sean Dyche believes his side can bounce back from two consecutive defeats. Dyche believes Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Southampton was one of the Clarets’ poorest displays of the season, but said: ‘We’ve spoken about the mental aspect of what it is to be in the Premier League because that’s sometimes as important as the tactics. Realistically when you’re a team like us still learning about the Premier League, it’s likely you’re going to have the odd bump in the road.’