If Inter have the best defence in Serie A, much of the credit goes to Yann Sommer so Richard Hall explains how the Swiss keeper has quickly become an idol to Nerazzurri fans, who no longer miss André Onana.
In the realm of football, goalkeepers are the unsung heroes, and Sommer is no exception. The Swiss shot-stopper has carved a niche for himself in the world of football, showcasing unparalleled goalkeeping abilities that have made him a formidable force between the posts. A signing From Bayern Munich in the summer, Sommer has been an artist of goalkeeping for Inter this season. His ability has made him a guardian of the goalpost that has helped the Nerazzurri to top the table and progress in the Champions League.
Inter have finished second in their European group behind Real Sociedad and despite the Italian media criticising Simone Inzaghi for too much rotation, the Nerazzurri will still be seen as one of the favourites for the competition. Admittedly, the change in personnel hampered the game against Benfica (despite the glorious comeback), and it could be argued they should have finished top of the group. However, the rotation will have helped the race for the Scudetto. One thing is for sure, Sommer has been a huge influence in both competitions.
His goalkeeping prowess is immediately apparent in his commanding presence on the field. Standing at six foot one inch tall, his imposing figure fills the goal, instilling confidence in his defenders and striking fear in the hearts of opposition attackers. His ability to dominate the penalty area during set-pieces and crosses adds a layer of security to his team, as he organises the defence with vocal instructions and strategic positioning. Just look at the game against Torino, his punching from crosses was superb and his ability to keep hold of the ball on three other critical saves made him stand out in this game as very secure.
He has filled a void that Andre Onana left and nobody in the black and blue side of San Siro is missing the new Manchester United keeper. Sommer is the first goalkeeper to collect at least 10 clean sheets in his first 15 Serie A matches in the three-point era (since 1994/95). His last league game saw him shut out Udinese in a 4-0 win, whilst he also stopped Real Sociedad from scoring as he helped Inter draw 0-0 in the Champions League. A game he also excelled in was the first fixture in Spain when he helped Inter avoid a two-goal deficit with some superb saves.
One of Sommer’s standout attributes is his acrobatic agility. His lightning-quick reflexes and cat-like movements make him a formidable force in one-on-one situations and when facing powerful shots from close range. Sommer’s ability to make split-second decisions and execute acrobatic saves has avoided countless goals and become a spectacle that fans eagerly anticipate. Look at the save from the free kick against Empoli, for instance, or the close-range save from Rafael Leao in the Derby Della Madonnina; the list is endless.
Modern goalkeepers are often expected to be adept with their feet, and Yann Sommer is no exception. His proficiency in distributing the ball accurately and swiftly is a crucial asset for his team’s build-up play. Sommer’s precision in short- and long-range passes allows his team to transition seamlessly from defence to attack, making him an integral part of the team’s overall strategy. This was something Samir Handanovic lacked, Onana had but was often too risky. Sommer has the ability and the mental capacity to make this look easy. He is solid and technical with his feet.
At the core of Sommer’s goalkeeping prowess lies his exceptional shot-stopping ability. Sommer’s positioning, anticipation, and quick reflexes make him a formidable barrier, whether it’s a thunderous strike from outside the box or a close-range attempt. His consistency in denying opposition attackers has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the game. This is best seen in the game against Napoli. Just a few examples in this game see him save from a distance as Stan Lobotka hit an excellent effort that was swerving away from him; he parried superbly. There was a brave low save on his near post from Eljif Elmas and a superb reaction from a Victor Osimhen header that showcased his reactions. Perhaps the best was an unbelievable save from a snapshot from Kvaratskhelia where he got his fingers tips to the ball in an instant, thwarting a certain goal from the Georgian.
Goalkeeping is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical prowess, and Sommer exemplifies this resilience. Whether facing a penalty kick or dealing with the pressure of a high-stakes match, Sommer remains calm and composed. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus under pressure has earned his teammates’ trust and the fans’ admiration. He showed this against Cagliari, where Inter was slightly off at times, but his composure shone through.
Sommer’s goalkeeping abilities transcend the traditional role of a shot-stopper. His commanding presence, acrobatic agility, distribution mastery, shot-stopping excellence, mental resilience, and sweeper-keeper instincts collectively make him a super signing by Beppe Moratta. Sommer’s impact extends beyond individual saves; he is a linchpin in his team’s defensive strategy and a key contributor to their overall success. As football enthusiasts marvel at the artistry of Sommer, it is evident that he has elevated the goalkeeping position to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game. He has arguably been one of the signings of the summer.
@RichHall80