Mark Flekken (Closed Thread)

[NorthamptonBee]

I’m really trying to like MF, hoped he’d be commanding as he talked a good game on this, me putting on socks is reminiscent of him saving a low shot and all that punching or not coming for crosses is worrying, I’ve always liked a keeper who has the forward knowing he’s likely to bounce off him in close quarters…
Old skool maybe but I actually poop myself on back passes to him let alone any shots coming his way.

 

[Gazza Bee]

Would have been very difficult with defenders in the way.

The only defender in his path was Pinnock and he was positioned so that he could have gone either way. The blame lies solely with the defence that allowed him to come inside so easily.

 

[mundee4england]

I have backed Flekken previously but am starting to waver. I agree with those that question which goals he should have saved as a defence, but we have been spoiled with a keeper who would have saved maybe 25% plus of those goals even though it was unexpected. Flekken may not be doing a great deal wrong, but to be a PL keeper you want him to do some stuff (very) ‘right’, pull off the odd worldie or collect a cross unexpectedly that eases pressure. The challenge with Flekken is that whilst he isn’t letting balls in through his legs he doesn‘t do anything positive that is unexpected either which is uninspiring to us as fans. This is all aside of his distribution by the way which is very very good (and I assume a major reason behind his recruitment).

Whilst we weren’t going to replace Raya like for like in terms of quality and we need to accept that and let Flekken grow into the role, I long for the days when I felt genuinely relieved when we were under pressure and a side crossed the ball our area as the vast majority of the time Raya would collect it, fall onto the ball and we’d all breathe a huge sigh of relief!

 

[Stephen Barnes]

Nothing Flekken can do about today's goals, he caught and punched a couple of crosses, made several saves, yet again he's the one getting blamed.

If you're going to criticise him, at least pick some tangible errors. The most predictable scapegoating week on week you'll ever see.

I think you really need to watch the first two again if he doesn’t follow the cross all the way to his near post he covers some of the back post his shoulder is more or less touching post. Then the second look at Ethan’s face the look is why have you not come for that help me out.

 

[Stanley]

See some blaming Flekken for their first goal but the fault was the defender for allowing the attacker to get in front of him. You may not outjump the attacker but it still makes it much harder for him. It’s an instinctive skill for a full back as much as anything else.

The difference maybe of having Hickey or Rico as a full back than Ghoddos who is not a natural defender.

 

[belvederebee]

for me, too many shots parried rather than caught.

 

[BS7Bee]

me putting on socks is reminiscent of him saving a low shot

Best description of him I've read. Spot on! ?

Edit: for the record, I've not actually watched Northampton Bee put his socks on.

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Best description of him I've read. Spot on! ?

Edit: for the record, I've not actually watched Northampton Bee put his socks on.

I can WhatsApp you if you send me your number.

 

[fredpage]

To be fair I wouldn’t swap him for Forest’s keeper! That would be a major downgrade

Agreed but if we stay up and Burnley go down how about James Trafford? He's only 21 years old would probably cost around 12 - 15 mill
Without doubt a far better keeper than Flekken, what do you think?

 

[jlove]

Agreed but if we stay up and Burnley go down how about James Trafford? He's only 21 years old would probably cost around 12 - 15 mill
Without doubt a far better keeper than Flekken, what do you think?

Have watched him? He pulls off some great saves but his game is littered with errors.

 

[fredpage]

Thought he had a decent game. Pulled off some good saves, good distribution as usual and came out well to punch a dangerous cross into the area.

Would any other keeper saved any of the goals? Maybe one of the few at the highest level …..or maybe not.

If that's a decent game then god help us if he has a bad one against a top four team. Yes, another keeper may well have saved at least one or two of them. The first one was a mirror replay of the Arsenal goal, beaten at the near post, the second passed his left foot by less than a metre and he didn't move, the third was almost a miskick that dribbled in the corner but as usual he was far too slow. Support him if you wish, that's your prerogative but I tell you now if it's not sorted soon then the championship beckons

 

[alikat]

The only defender in his path was Pinnock and he was positioned so that he could have gone either way.

Exactly. Pinnock was in his path so that he couldn't really go to Flekken's left.

 

[ChertseyBee]

I have backed Flekken previously but am starting to waver. I agree with those that question which goals he should have saved as a defence, but we have been spoiled with a keeper who would have saved maybe 25% plus of those goals even though it was unexpected. Flekken may not be doing a great deal wrong, but to be a PL keeper you want him to do some stuff (very) ‘right’, pull off the odd worldie or collect a cross unexpectedly that eases pressure. The challenge with Flekken is that whilst he isn’t letting balls in through his legs he doesn‘t do anything positive that is unexpected either which is uninspiring to us as fans. This is all aside of his distribution by the way which is very very good (and I assume a major reason behind his recruitment).

Whilst we weren’t going to replace Raya like for like in terms of quality and we need to accept that and let Flekken grow into the role, I long for the days when I felt genuinely relieved when we were under pressure and a side crossed the ball our area as the vast majority of the time Raya would collect it, fall onto the ball and we’d all breathe a huge sigh of relief!

Agree 100%. I’m starting to slip into the same camp as you.

 

[TadB]

Might be an unfair comparison as he is likely to be in a squad with even more b teamers in it.

Ah, so it is unfair to make a judgement when Strakoshas is playing in a B Team, but not unfair to judge Flekken when Flekken is playing behind a defence comprising of bench players, players playing out of position, players out of form, and a back line that is constantly changing. There is nothing better in times of adversity than to ritually slaughter an innocent goat so you best do what set out to do with the bladed instrument if that makes you feel better. The more thoughtful consider the bigger picture, how to improve the squad, how to stabilise a squad that is lacking confidence, how to make the squad more resilient, and how to get back to those things that made us the team we were earlier in the season. I expect that it is the latter that is occupying TF's mind rather than seeking to blame one individual member of the team for the current situation.

 

[JosephG764]

Strakosha might be absolutely awful in training! I do not know one or the other so if a poster says he deserves a run in the team then he implies that he knows more than Thomas Frank. As always I will watch to see what TF does,

No, if a fan has a view on team selection it does not imply that they know more than Thomas Frank. It is just a view on selection by someone who follows the team. They have made a judgement on what they have seen in matches. FFS should we all base our views in what is happening in training then?

 

[Balders Bee]

I can WhatsApp you if you send me your number.

I has to subscribe to your Fans Only for that sort of kinky service...bloody favouritism ?

 

[westendbee]

Agreed but if we stay up and Burnley go down how about James Trafford? He's only 21 years old would probably cost around 12 - 15 mill
Without doubt a far better keeper than Flekken, what do you think?

He looks to be a better shot-stopper but his distribution is very dodgy!

 

[WARFIELD BEE]

Ah, so it is unfair to make a judgement when Strakoshas is playing in a B Team, but not unfair to judge Flekken when Flekken is playing behind a defence comprising of bench players, players playing out of position, players out of form, and a back line that is constantly changing. There is nothing better in times of adversity than to ritually slaughter an innocent goat so you best do what set out to do with the bladed instrument if that makes you feel better. The more thoughtful consider the bigger picture, how to improve the squad, how to stabilise a squad that is lacking confidence, how to make the squad more resilient, and how to get back to those things that made us the team we were earlier in the season. I expect that it is the latter that is occupying TF's mind rather than seeking to blame one individual member of the team for the current situation.

OTT or what, all I said was if TS played he would likely be playing behind an even weaker side

 

[Balders Bee]

He looks to be a better shot-stopper but his distribution is very dodgy!

Distribution is an area which can be worked on and improved, certainly easier than improving an older keepers reactions and agility- all totally hypothetical I realise.

P.s. what's the feedback from Coxy's performances for the Pirates by the way, anyone been keeping tabs on him?

 

[Holysmit]

Ah, so it is unfair to make a judgement when Strakoshas is playing in a B Team, but not unfair to judge Flekken when Flekken is playing behind a defence comprising of bench players, players playing out of position, players out of form, and a back line that is constantly changing. There is nothing better in times of adversity than to ritually slaughter an innocent goat so you best do what set out to do with the bladed instrument if that makes you feel better. The more thoughtful consider the bigger picture, how to improve the squad, how to stabilise a squad that is lacking confidence, how to make the squad more resilient, and how to get back to those things that made us the team we were earlier in the season. I expect that it is the latter that is occupying TF's mind rather than seeking to blame one individual member of the team for the current situation.

Your defence of Flekken is tiresome. I'm sorry but he does not instill confidence in a lot of fans and it looks like the defence feel the same.

I don't know if Strakosha is better as I've only seen him twice. But every time I see Flekken playing I just can't see us keeping a clean sheet. I'm yet to come away from a game thinking he's had a great game or he's saved us.

He might go on to be very good. Numerous keepers recover from tough starts but he needs to be taken out of the side for a while for his and the teams benefit IMO.

Where as you seem to think he is the new Buffon.

 

[Holysmit]

Distribution is an area which can be worked on and improved, certainly easier than improving an older keepers reactions and agility- all totally hypothetical I realise.

P.s. what's the feedback from Coxy's performances for the Pirates by the way, anyone been keeping tabs on him?

Speak to a rovers mate about him regularly. He's having a shaky spell. Ironically tho this is due to distribution as his shot stopping is excellent

 

[aslan]

Agreed but if we stay up and Burnley go down how about James Trafford? He's only 21 years old would probably cost around 12 - 15 mill
Without doubt a far better keeper than Flekken, what do you think?

No way Burnley take a loss on him

 

[detours]

I think you really need to watch the first two again if he doesn’t follow the cross all the way to his near post he covers some of the back post his shoulder is more or less touching post. Then the second look at Ethan’s face the look is why have you not come for that help me out.

I've watched the highlights multiple times – thought he did as well as can be expected – but if you don't like Flekken you'll see whatever you want to see.

If Flekken was as bad as everyone on here seems to think, journalists would be mentioning his clangers in every match review.

Under every video highlights other fans would be saying "wow I can't believe that awful shot beat the Brentford goalkeeper" but somehow they don't appear.

Funny that, isn't it? What phenomenon can explain it?

Go rage at Ghoddos for the first goal, Pinnock for the second, and Collins for the third. Each lost their individual battle and let a hugely talented attacker have a shot at goal.

Pinning every goal we concede on Flekken is just such blatantly obvious scapegoating and it comes like clockwork whether he does good or bad things. After Collins' suicide backpass last week someone behind me went "bloody flekken!" – it's ludicrous at times.

 

[JosephG764]

I've watched the highlights multiple times – thought he did as well as can be expected – but if you don't like Flekken you'll see whatever you want to see.

If Flekken was as bad as everyone on here seems to think, journalists would be mentioning his clangers in every match review.

Under every video highlights other fans would be saying "wow I can't believe that awful shot beat the Brentford goalkeeper" but somehow they don't appear.

Funny that, isn't it? What phenomenon can explain it?

Go rage at Ghoddos for the first goal, Pinnock for the second, and Collins for the third. Each lost their individual battle and let a hugely talented attacker have a shot at goal.

Pinning every goal we concede on Flekken is just such blatantly obvious scapegoating and it comes like clockwork whether he does good or bad things. After Collins' suicide backpass last week someone behind me went "bloody flekken!" – it's ludicrous at times.

In your world, does a goalkeeper only get criticism if he drops a clanger or howler?

 

[WARFIELD BEE]

No way Burnley take a loss on him

Did they sign him permanently, I thought he was on loan?
I see it was permanent, a very good prospect sharp reflexes.

 

[detours]

In your world, does a goalkeeper only get criticism if he drops a clanger or howler?

I don't believe any of the goals we conceded last night were anything to do with Flekken – nor most of the goals we've conceded.

I don't believe the club does either, because why else would they keep playing Flekken?

Thomas Frank has shown that he isn't sentimental, why would he persist with someone so apparently awful? Alvaro Fernandes got dispensed with quickly, yet Flekken keeps getting picked when we have an international replacement warming the bench. It makes no sense if Flekken is that bad.

 

[JosephG764]

I don't believe any of the goals we conceded last night were anything to do with Flekken – nor most of the goals we've conceded.

I don't believe the club does either, because why else would they keep playing Flekken?

Thomas Frank has shown that he isn't sentimental, why would he persist with someone so apparently awful? Alvaro Fernandes got dispensed with quickly, yet Flekken keeps getting picked when we have an international replacement warming the bench. It makes no sense if Flekken is that bad.

You didn't answer the question but i'll presume it's a yes.

You keep saying 'clangers', 'apparently awful', 'that bad'. Read the comments about him again. Particularly @mundee4england above who summaries a lot of fans feelings very well i'd say.

​

 

[detours]

Read the comments about him again.

I do, they're the same regurgitated chestnuts every single week.

I'm much more interested in what our manager thinks, the fact Flekken gets picked every match suggests Thomas Frank doesn't agree with a set of fans on the GPG and Twitter ?‍

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

I've watched the highlights multiple times – thought he did as well as can be expected – but if you don't like Flekken you'll see whatever you want to see.

If Flekken was as bad as everyone on here seems to think, journalists would be mentioning his clangers in every match review.

Under every video highlights other fans would be saying "wow I can't believe that awful shot beat the Brentford goalkeeper" but somehow they don't appear.

Funny that, isn't it? What phenomenon can explain it?

Go rage at Ghoddos for the first goal, Pinnock for the second, and Collins for the third. Each lost their individual battle and let a hugely talented attacker have a shot at goal.

Pinning every goal we concede on Flekken is just such blatantly obvious scapegoating and it comes like clockwork whether he does good or bad things. After Collins' suicide backpass last week someone behind me went "bloody flekken!" – it's ludicrous at times.

Exactly, some on here only see what they want to see.

Our defending yesterday was crao again. Ghoddos was found out for the first. Pinnock was flat footed for the second and Collins let MO easily though on goal. Weak.

But hey, it's easier to blame the keeper.

Put Raya in our team and he doesn't fare any better IMO.

 

[Beesypeas]

If that's a decent game then god help us if he has a bad one against a top four team. Yes, another keeper may well have saved at least one or two of them. The first one was a mirror replay of the Arsenal goal, beaten at the near post, the second passed his left foot by less than a metre and he didn't move, the third was almost a miskick that dribbled in the corner but as usual he was far too slow. Support him if you wish, that's your prerogative but I tell you now if it's not sorted soon then the championship beckons

It's odd to me that people don't like hearing this but it's exactly right. He's just unbelievably slow to react.

 

[Beesypeas]

I've watched the highlights multiple times – thought he did as well as can be expected – but if you don't like Flekken you'll see whatever you want to see.

If Flekken was as bad as everyone on here seems to think, journalists would be mentioning his clangers in every match review.

Under every video highlights other fans would be saying "wow I can't believe that awful shot beat the Brentford goalkeeper" but somehow they don't appear.

Funny that, isn't it? What phenomenon can explain it?

Go rage at Ghoddos for the first goal, Pinnock for the second, and Collins for the third. Each lost their individual battle and let a hugely talented attacker have a shot at goal.

Pinning every goal we concede on Flekken is just such blatantly obvious scapegoating and it comes like clockwork whether he does good or bad things. After Collins' suicide backpass last week someone behind me went "bloody flekken!" – it's ludicrous at times.

The commentary on the game did comment on the fact he didn't even move for one of the goals which wasn't even far from him. Seems like you're selectively ignoring the criticism.

 

[detours]

Put Raya in our team and he doesn't fare any better IMO.

?!

I watched the Arsenal highlights.... there's nothing Raya can do for either goal – yet you search "Raya" on Twitter and it's wall to wall Arsenal fans slating him in exactly the same language Flekken is getting described in tbh.

 

[beebopalula]

Bit surprised by the criticism.IMO he's a decent keeper at this level although l'd like to see him move the ball on quicker. Talk about Raya saving more of the goals conceded can only be speculation.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

The fact I'm reading him being compared to button and masters shows me how little some of our so called fans on here know about football. ???

 

[JANORAK]

The ponderous play seems to be a new fashion for keepers - if nothing is open, slow the game down and wait for the opposition to react. I'm waiting for complete stalemate - opposition doesn't move, keeper doesn't kick, we all get our phones out or pop to the loo.

I’d have taken that advice if I’d known about the loo queue yesterday!

 

[alikat]

Put Raya in our team and he doesn't fare any better IMO.

Well, that's both hypothetical and subjective, but I'd wager that he would.

 

[Ken Richardson]

Agreed but if we stay up and Burnley go down how about James Trafford? He's only 21 years old would probably cost around 12 - 15 mill
Without doubt a far better keeper than Flekken, what do you think?

I like this idea and have watched him a few times. He's young and believe he has real potential.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

Well, that's both hypothetical and subjective, but I'd wager that he would.

And everyone comparing MF to Raya in our current set up is also hypothetical and subjective.

And I would happily wager you would all be on here berating raya for picking the ball out of the net.

 

[BFC1997]

Would love it if he began saving more shots than he concedes. We're so so easy to score goals against.

Thats a strange metric to measure a goalkeeper against.

If the shots continue to come from extremely high quality chances because we are not defending properly then he has no chance. The only way he will see his save % go up drastically is if we limit the opposition to shooting from further out and from harder angles.

It would help if we had actual full-backs for a start, and some better defensive players from set pieces. Not having Ben Mee in the squad for three matches, is also not ideal in that regard.

 

[BFC1997]

Agreed but if we stay up and Burnley go down how about James Trafford? He's only 21 years old would probably cost around 12 - 15 mill
Without doubt a far better keeper than Flekken, what do you think?

1) Worth a lot more than 12-15m
2) We have our own young goalkeeper in that mould in Matt Cox
3) Not “without doubt a far better keeper than Flekken” he’s pleasing on the eye but makes errors

 

[Stephen Barnes]

I've watched the highlights multiple times – thought he did as well as can be expected – but if you don't like Flekken you'll see whatever you want to see.

If Flekken was as bad as everyone on here seems to think, journalists would be mentioning his clangers in every match review.

Under every video highlights other fans would be saying "wow I can't believe that awful shot beat the Brentford goalkeeper" but somehow they don't appear.

Funny that, isn't it? What phenomenon can explain it?

Go rage at Ghoddos for the first goal, Pinnock for the second, and Collins for the third. Each lost their individual battle and let a hugely talented attacker have a shot at goal.

Pinning every goal we concede on Flekken is just such blatantly obvious scapegoating and it comes like clockwork whether he does good or bad things. After Collins' suicide backpass last week someone behind me went "bloody flekken!" – it's ludicrous at times.

I think we will agree to disagree
For one I never said I don’t like but I’m just saying like many others on here he is not doing anything too like are you telling me he is a good keeper for me he has been average at best
but when like you have pointed out Ghoddos playing at left back I need my keeper to stand up and make a name for himself he is meant to be are number 1 !!!

 

[A Real Mysteron]

You have to feel for him a bit.
Played behind a different defence practically every week.
Had to follow a bloke who would dive at the ball if it was going 10 yards wide, and could turn a routine save into the front cover of Hotspur book for boys.
I don’t think he is anything other than an average keeper, and most likely a poor signing- actually quite a non- Brentford signing given his age and lack of further development potential, and he isn’t going to win us many points, which is unfortunate as at the moment we badly need them.

 

[alikat]

And everyone comparing MF to Raya in our current set up is also hypothetical and subjective.

Indeed, but I was merely responding to your post which made such a comparison!

And I would happily wager you would all be on here berating raya for picking the ball out of the net.

And in a hypothetical world, I wonder what odds you might get for that? ?

 

[NorthamptonBee]

And everyone comparing MF to Raya in our current set up is also hypothetical and subjective.

And I would happily wager you would all be on here berating raya for picking the ball out of the net.

I liked Raya, he bulked up after being a bit weedy but his size was an issue imo, we get a taller chap but if he is known for not coming for crosses then the oppo will cross nearer the goal than usual and currently we can’t defend it, sad but true.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

Indeed, but I was merely responding to your post which made such a comparison!

And in a hypothetical world, I wonder what odds you might get for that? ?

Brilliant odds ?

 

[Hippobee]

He's not great. He's not awful. He must have something about him to be Dutch no. 1.

I would just say though, people say good keepers can be worth 10 points a season. I've seen no evidence to back that up with MF.

 

[hanworthbee]

He's not the Dutch number one it's verbruggen or noppen I think his name is

 

[davewfilms]

He's not great. He's not awful. He must have something about him to be Dutch no. 1.

I would just say though, people say good keepers can be worth 10 points a season. I've seen no evidence to back that up with MF.

Dutch number 1? He like in his 30's and had like 4 caps and his last performance against Ireland he was terrible can't see him getting back in anytime soon.
He is not a good goalkeeper we need better if we want to be competitive in this league.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

Dutch number 1? He like in his 30's and had like 4 caps and his last performance against Ireland he was terrible can't see him getting back in anytime soon.
He is not a good goalkeeper we need better if we want to be competitive in this league.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bigbee]

Any suggestions?

Kasper Schmeichel