Premier League duo Manchester United and Arsenal have both been heavily linked to League One Wigan Athletic’s young goalkeeper Sam Tickle. Now his boss Shaun Maloney has branded him the best shot-stopper in England after his FA Cup heroics saved them from an embarrassing defeat.
The Latics came out 2-0 victors over League Two side Carlisle United. Despite going down to 10 men early into the game the fourth-tier side grew in confidence and often threatened the League One side’s goal. Full stretch saves from Tickle were needed to help prevent both Luke Armstrong and Dominic Sadi from hitting the back of the net.
His boss Shaun Maloney did not hold back in his praise of the youngster:
“Sam has made two unbelievable saves at the end…and he’s just an unbelievable talent,”
“And I still don’t think people realise how good this guy is.
“I don’t care if he is the No.3 goalkeeper for the England Under-21s…if there is a shot to be saved and my job depends on it…or my life depends on it…there isn’t another English goalkeeper in all four leagues I’d choose over him.
“I watch the Premier League, and the Championship…and I don’t see anyone – who’s English – who is as good as him at shot-stopping.
“And I really mean that…obviously there’s still some areas he can improve on…but in terms of shot-stopping?
“I’ve worked with some very good English goalkeepers during my career, and I’ve not seen a better shot-stopper than Sam.
“And you have to remember this is only the start of his second season as a senior player…I don’t know how much more praise I can give him, how higher I can go.
“The game should have been dead and buried by then, but it wasn’t. And this guy keeps being there for us, he keeps doing it.
“It’s just incredible that, when we arrived, this guy was in the reserves…what a player.”
Premier League Interest and the Right Decision?
Tickle was close to signing for Arsenal in the summer, before turning down the opportunity to become a backup for number one David Raya. He has remained with the League One outfit where he has continued to secure first team minutes as well as continuing his development into one of the best up and coming talents in the EFL.
Manchester United were credited with an interest as a back up to Andre Onana with backup option Altay Bayindir likely to consider a move away at the end of the season after having only made three appearances in his two seasons at the club.
Tickle arguably made the best decision for his career, rather than taking the step up to the top flight early which would have seen his game time and development significantly impacted he has remained faithful to Maloney and Wigan which has paid dividends to both him and his team.
His stock is skyrocketing and there will come a time when he moves on but with his attitude clearly demonstrating a willingness to do things the right way and maturity it is likely to only be a well thought out that could see him move up to become one of England’s best as his manager has indicated.