sweeper-keeper

plural sweeper-keepers · alternative sweeper keeper

1. ball gamesA hybrid of goalkeeper and sweeper roles – a goalkeeper who leaves the penalty area to start attacks.

   It was a rule that made all keepers potential sweeper-keepers, and van der Sar was one of the very best around.

   2021 February 18, Leo Moynihan, Thou Shall Not Pass: The Anatomy of Football’s Centre-Half, Bloomsbury Publishing, →ISBN, page 104

   2 more examples

   With teams playing in a more compact fashion and defenders pushing up without the safety of a sweeper behind them, the keeper's role has evolved to that of a sweeper-keeper. Gone are the days when a keeper could remain in his sixyard box and just play his line.

   2004 03, Jacob Daniel, The Complete Guide to Coaching Soccer Systems and Tactics, Reedswain Inc., →ISBN

   Sweeper keepers have high “soccer IQs” and know how to “read” the game brilliantly. They are able to play with their feet and head with equal skill to any defender.

   2017 July 15, Paul Challen, What Does a Goalkeeper Do?, The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, →ISBN, page 22