TFA 2025 Breakout XI: John Pulskamp Scouting Report At Sporting Kansas City

From our Total Football Analysis Magazine – TFA 2025 Breakout XI:

In this magazine edition, we are delving into a special report on John Pulskamp — an emerging talent currently playing as goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer.

Throughout the 2024 season in senior club competitions, he played 930 minutes in 10 games, conceding 19 goals and keeping one clean sheet.

Though the stats aren’t outstanding, our scout report will go into detail on why Pulskamp is viewed as a rising talent in US soccer.

His market value is currently estimated to be € 400,000, and his contract with Sporting Kansas City is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

In this scout report, we will examine his effectiveness on the ball, helping the club with build-up play and distribution, and other factors in his game, such as his sweeper-keeper abilities and reading of the game.

What Makes A Goalkeeper Great?

What makes a goalkeeper great in modern football is being comfortable with the ball at their feet.

There has been an overemphasis in todays game on keepers moving a few yards up and playing as centre-backs during the build-up.

This creates an 11v10 scenario on the pitch as the keeper assumes that role and absorbs the pressure from the striker.

From the 2010s until now, there has been a rising need for keepers to act as sweepers, making clearances and racing to the ball for tackles.

Manuel Neuer has significantly influenced this trend.

Think of ‘50s-’60s black and white cinema with wide-angle lenses and grains scattered across the TV.

Over the decades, there has been a progression.

First came the introduction of colour in TV and movies, which is the equivalent of keepers coming out of the box more often than sweepers.

In the 2010s and 2020s, we have IMAX quality and audio, corresponding to keepers having technical ability on the same level as centre-backs.

The demand for goalkeeper’s skills has been increasing.

Of course, keepers should make saves and be quick on their feet along their line, but now the tide has changed.

John Pulskamp Radar Chart

John Pulskamps radar chart highlights areas where he excels, reflecting his evolving skill set in modern football.

Below are two key aspects we would like to address.