GREATNESS
How Kasper turned the name Schmeichel into a goalkeeping dynasty
KASPER SCHMEICHEL tonight joins the 400 club for Leicester as a world-class keeper in his own right.
The 34-year-old is only the 10th Leicester City player to reach that landmark for competitive games, and manager Brendan Rodgers says he has emerged from the giant shadow of his father’s Peter’s brilliant career at Manchester United.
Kasper has worked his way through the leagues, via Bury, Falkirk, Notts County and Leeds, to end up a Premier League winner and Champions League star with the Foxes in the last decade. He has kept 126 clean sheets in 399 games and saved 13 out of 56 penalties.
Rodgers says his achievements are down to mental strength and a “passion and devotion” to his job. But he finds it impossible to say who’s the better between the posts – Kasper or dad Peter. Rodgers said: “He was always going to be compared to his father, who was one of the world’s best keepers. For a young guy, a son, that is not easy. “It shows how tough he is mentally. He was known as Peter Schmeichel’s son, but now he warrants all the praise himself because of the career he has had.” But better than dad, who played almost 400 times for Manchester United and won five leagues, three FA Cups and a Champions League?
“It is not a question I would want to answer. It is unfair. It is his career,” said Rodgers. “I love Kasper’s intensity, how competitive he is. He is always going to be held up against his father, who was one of the best keepers in the world and one of the best Premier League keepers ever. I am pleased he has developed into a top-class goalkeeper in his own right. Loads of internationals caps. 400 games. Played at every level. He has carved out an amazing career for himself. He is a really, really good guy.
“He is so passionate about the game. He loves football and prepares so well. His devotion and mentality means he excels at the highest level. He doesn’t get tired of doing the right things. He is vocal, his spirit is very strong.”
Asked if Schmeichel will finish his career at Leicester, the King Power coach said: “He is obviously ambitious but he has seen the club evolve and now come to a world-class facility so I hope he will feel that he can fulfil those ambitions here.”
And Rodgers, whose side tonight host a Southampton team only three points below them, believes another 34-year-old Foxes stalwart has plenty of life left in him too.
Striker Jamie Vardy is still banging in the goals (13 so far this season) and Rodgers reckons there are years left in him as a top-level striker.
He said: “Nobody thinks of his age
and that is a huge testament to how consistently well he has played for Leicester and how well he has looked after his body.
“He is more than pace but that is his strength and something we try to utilise. There will come a time when the legs will slow up a wee bit but he is a goalscorer. So if he is not on the last line he is still a great threat in the box and it is up to other players to find him and serve him.
“I would say that, if he stays fit and gets lucky with injuries, then he still has a good few years left in him yet.”