Arsene Wenger’s technical study group finds goalkeepers are more involved than ever at the World Cup

Ball-playing goalkeepers and attacking wide players are the biggest influence on this World Cup, according to a report on the group stages by Arsene Wenger’s FIFA technical group.

Keepers offered to receive a pass 726 times in the group games here, up from 443 times in the same stage in Russia four years ago, and got the ball 356 times, up from 177.

Wenger concludes it is a response to high-pressing forwards forcing defenders to turn back. Managers have thus opted for goalkeepers who are comfortable on the ball.

Arsene Wenger’s technical study group have revealed the analysis of their findings from the World Cup group stage

‘The biggest change in football is the goalkeeper,’ said Wenger. 

‘The game has considered the goalkeeper to be a union apart, now they are part of the team. That’s modern evolution. It’s major change.’

There is also a revived importance of wide players, which, Wenger believes, is a reaction to defences who protect the centre of the pitch.

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‘There’s a huge difference with 2018,’ said the Frenchman.

‘Goals from open play from crosses are up 83 per cent. Teams block the centre and open more the flanks. In Netherlands-USA, all the goals came from crosses, which confirmed the trend.

Analysis highlighted the increased importance of goalkeepers being comfortable on the ball

‘Does that mean the teams with the best wide players have the best chance? I believe there is something in there. Not only offensive players but also full backs.’

Wenger also expects benches to be a vital asset in the first World Cup with five substitutes, which could account for fewer late goals so far.

‘It could be that five subs adds the possibility to defend better in final minutes,’ he added.

Findings also revealed a renewed importance of wide players to combat defensive strengths