Following the previous summer report on potential signings for MLS, Everybody Soccer returns with another scouting report on possible foreign goalkeepers for MLS teams. The US’s top league has finally started to explore more avenues when it comes to buying and selling players, both domestic and foreign.
Eligible goalkeepers were limited to (1) being over 19 years old, (2) listed as having less than a $1,000,000 market value by Transfermarkt, and (3) ones that would have the highest possibility of being re-sold by an MLS team. Additionally, certain goalkeepers were removed from inclusion, despite qualifying for the previous criteria, as moving to MLS didn’t make feasible sense for the stage they’re currently at in their career.
Each goalkeeper is ranked in nine different categories. Rankings are based on the ranking levels provided in the nearby graphic where 7 is an elite ability while 1 is extremely poor. A brief rundown on each goalkeepers’ style of play and relevant information is provided underneath the rankings. Lastly, each goalkeeper’s style of play - not overall ability - is compared to an MLS goalkeeper to give the reader an idea of how the goalkeeper approaches the position.
Phillip Menzel
Notes: 6’4”, 182 lbs… average athleticism but otherwise above average in most other aspects of his game… feels comfortable collecting crosses with smooth approaches and clean hands… has a calming posture to him where he’s found a healthy mix of being patient yet knowing how to take forward space when need be… doesn’t seem to get overwhelmed when he needs to make a reflex or improv save, despite not having the athleticism of his peers… understated goalkeeper who can easily be overlooked but strong fundamentals will add up over the course of his career.
Similar style of play: Jeff Attinella
Transfermarkt listing: $220,000
Calvin Heim
Notes: 6’3”, 165 lbs… solid foundations, methodical approach in most situations… sharp footwork… hands inconsistent but has positive moments, should come in time… cross management problematic… comfortable on the ball and will try ambitious passes… left foot has a noticeable dropoff but not completely unserviceable… doesn’t look to develop much more athletically but is far from poor in those areas… hasn’t played since July 2020… strengths are found in strong technical foundation and steadiness in goal.
Similar style of play: Brady Scott
Transfermarkt listing: n/a
Mike van de Meulenhof
Notes: 5’11”, 174 lbs… hasn’t played since February 2020… confident with both feet but execution and decision making in question… quick yet smooth footwork allow for impressive acceleration and the ability to break out for an extension save… not afraid to attack a cross but, similar to distribution, can overplay his hand… utilizes speed and smart body shape to shut down 1v1s, but doesn’t play a high line… displayed several positive moments put lack of recent minutes is concerning.
Similar style of play: Tony Meola
Transfermarkt listing: $330,000
Moritz Nicolas
Notes: 6’4”, 191 lbs… footwork is confident and well thought-out, but average speed likely means it’s about as good as it’s going to get… not poor but not great athleticism… has struggled in close range situations in knowing what tool is the right fit for the job, although he has shown different looks. Needs to find correct style for himself in that area… strong on crosses, reads the ball and executes well… distribution is mostly with right foot and simple but has adapted well when need be… an understated goalkeeper with little “flash” to his game, but the consistency should pay off in an environment that utilizes him.
Similar style of play: Stefan Frei
Transfermarkt listing: $275,000
Jay Gorter
Notes: 6’3”, 174 lbs… sits incredibly deep when defending but has impressive speed to close down attacks… can be a little overly reliant on quickness on breakaways… difficult for him to defend 1v1s efficiently when heels sit on goal line… hands not great but adequate, could be improved… reliance on mobility makes for a “boom or bust” situation when plays break down… can get lost when patience is required… deep position makes coming from crosses tricky but compensates with a quick break off his line… can clip a ball well with both feet… doesn’t have the typical fundamentals down when considering MLS goalkeepers, but plays extremely front-footed and wants to be more than just a shot-stopper… upside could be higher if he finds a better complementary style, as deep line + speed don’t always mesh well.
Similar style of play: Steve Clark
Transfermarkt listing: $770,000
Martin Vantruba
Notes: 6’5”, 176 lbs… lack of consistent play makes Vantruba’s upside difficult to gauge… has some mechanics and foundations to his game but every so often he’ll rely on brute force to solve a problem… weak hands… coming off his line isn’t the smoothest… has moments of brilliance when he can figure out his footing… comfortable on the ball, if not overambitious… Vantruba feels close but lack of consistent minutes likely inhibiting his ability to find consistency… would be a project for any team but the upside is there for the nimble, lanky goalkeeper.
Similar style of play: Alex Bono
Transfermarkt listing: $165,000
Remy Descamps
Notes: 6’5”, 180 lbs… has the ability to make a game-changing save with the combination of frame and athleticism. However, nimble movement is difficult for him, which can show up in lateral movement or deflected shots… dominates crosses easily… distribution can be poor at times but does have a cannon with his left foot… excels in all the areas a tall goalkeeper would be expected to excel at and struggles in the areas tall goalkeepers typically struggle at.
Similar style of play: David Ousted
Transfermarkt listing: $880,000
Dominik Hladun
Notes: 6’3”, 169 lbs… lanky, explosive goalkeeper who can cover the upper corners with ease… forward movement is cumbersome and can struggle when it’s more than a few steps to collect a ball… distribution average at best… plays fine when he lets the play come to him, but has a knack of inevitably running into situations he can’t solve with just having a big frame... would do well to play more within skillset and not shoehorn aggressive approach when he doesn’t have the quick footwork to match it.
Similar style of play: Michael Gspurning
Transfermarkt listing: $715,000