#360view: Kasper Schmeichel steps out of his father’s shadow

Alam Khan - Reporter 03:12 02/05/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Standing tall: Kasper Schmeichel.

    Ever since he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel’s career has been overshadowed by Peter’s achievements. So much so that he has often bristled at comparisons and avoided talking about the subject matter.

    But on Sunday, at the home of the club where dad was dominant and enjoyed his greatest successes, the younger Schmeichel gained deserved recognition – and stood tall on his own.

    While Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have attracted the headlines for their attacking exploits during Leicester City’s march to the Premier League title, the Dane has more than proved his worth as the last line of defence.

    When called upon, and with seven clean sheets in the last 10 games, Schmeichel has been reliable and resilient – just as he was at Old Trafford as the Foxes fought for a 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

    His 14th minute save from Jesse Lingard may well be lost among the many controversies and comments from the encounter, but it was crucial to the outcome. As the ball was lashed through the legs of Robert Huth, Schmeichel got down well and stretched out a strong left hand to push it away.

    Leicester were already one-down, nervous and on the ropes, but lifted by that, they levelled three minutes later through Wes Morgan’s header.

    Then, in added time and down to 10 men after the dismissal of Danny Drinkwater, Schmeichel raced out of his goal to spread himself as Memphis Depay looked to latch onto a loose ball and then got up quickly to boot clear as Wayne Rooney moved in. Championships have been won and lost on moments such as these.

    It evoked memories of his father during an era where he helped United win five league titles. There was the blonde hair, the commanding presence, the desire and the class.

    “A proper keeper”, said the watching Graeme Souness, and Peter – also in the stands – looked on proudly as, at 29, Schmeichel has made his own name, and established himself as one of the league’s best.

    It has also summed up Leicester’s remarkable season and the emphasis on a team effort in what will be a historic title triumph if Spurs do not beat Chelsea on Saturday night.

    When players, be it Mahrez, Vardy or Drinkwater for his unnecessary red card, may have fallen short of the high standards they have set, others have stepped up. Schmeichel has been one, Morgan another, and their contributions should not be ignored, nor forgotten.

    Cool heads are needed in the climax to this campaign and the pair are leading by example. Their team-mates need to follow suit.

    It is a shame Drinkwater will miss out on a possible title party against Everton through a ban, but at least Vardy will return from a suspension of his own after the diving controversy and subsequent outburst at the referee in the draw with West Ham.

    Seated just yards away, I felt for him as he had to watch his team try to get the three points they needed to be champions, rather than being out there with them.

    As boss Claudio Ranieri accepted, they missed the 22-goal frontman. As United pushed forward, Leicester had opportunities on the break and there were gaps Vardy could have exploited.

    He is so pivotal to this side and their gameplan. It will be fitting for him to be out there at the King Power on Saturday when the fantastic Foxes should rule the roost.

    Recommended