Mac’s save sent keeper convention out the window
Goalkeeping expert and coach, David Preece, says comparisons between Allan Mcgregor’s wonder save against Slavia Prague and Gordon Banks’ legendary stop against Pele are valid.
The 39-year-old Rangers keeper stunned commentators and television viewers alike with his one-handed stop to grab Lukos Masopust’s header in the final minute of Thursday’s Europa League tie.
It ensured the Light Blues will go into this week’s Ibrox return with a great chance of reaching the competition’s quarterfinals, and left pundits searching for superlatives.
“There was no question about it, Allan’s save was phenomenal,” said the Englishman, who was with Aberdeen between 1999 and 2005.
“Part of what makes the Gordon Banks one so special is about who it came against.
“Pele was, if not the greatest player of all time, then certainly one of the greatest – and it came in a World Cup match.
“So that all adds to the acclaim. But certainly you can compare them because they are both stunning efforts.
“Banks defied all logic through the way he managed to get the ball over the crossbar. You should not be able to get up and over like that.
“What is so remarkable about Allan’s is that he kept hold of it. And he actually saved the ball, when it was behind him and that is hard to do.
“As a goalkeeper, you are always diving forward to try and meet the ball.
“So that if you get a touch on it, the deflection is greater and more likely to go away from the goal.
“But here, everything went out the window and Mcgregor showed the reaction and the agility levels of a man 10 or 12 years younger.
“I have seen Allan’s post- match interview, and he is very humble about the save, quite matter of fact.”
Preece argues that undersells his effort.
“I watched that save, and for me it was that moment when all the hard work, all the years of training, all the experience, paid off,” he said.
“Allan has had a great career, but if you were looking for one single example to showcase his talent and ability, that was it right there.
“And, of course, Rangers fans will have their pick of Andy Goram’s stops.
“I was lucky enough to have one when I played for Silkeborg in Denmark in a match against Brondby.
“I made a reaction stop down to my right, and then when the ball came up on the line I managed to get up to knock it away as someone came into head it.
“These moments are over in a flash – but they live with you forever.”