A Look At The Loanees: Ben Amos

Next up in the spotlight as we profile last season’s loan stars is England youth keeper Ben Amos. Preben Walle reports on Ben’s time in Norway with Molde FK…

Manchester United and Molde has developed some kind of a relationship over the years, a couple of players has gone from Molde to Manchester (including a certain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer obviously), and this season it was time for a player to take the trip the other way over the North Sea.

When Ben Amos arrived at Molde back in March, his was the name on everyone’s lips and we all looked forward to seeing what this man from Manchester United really could do in a league like the Norwegian.
Amos got his debut against Rosenborg, last years champions, and already from that match on it was quite clear that Molde’s defence was very shaky and that Amos would have a bit of a struggle. In his 8 matches at Molde he conceded 16 goals, but as I said the defending was just shambolic (still is) and he can’t be blamed for that number. He might have made one or two mistakes that led to goals, but nothing really stands out as really poor.

Ben showed some good skill, but it’s obvious that he’s got a fair bit to go before he reaches anything close to Premier League standard. What he did prove was that he’s a terrific shot-stopper, and that he’s got excellent communication skills. What he lacks is the ability to come get the ball in the air, he’s just not got the physical presence, nor the timing or experience to do that. To be fair though he’s still young, and that’s something that can be taught or acquired through practice.

I think Ben Amos has got a bright future ahead of him – he might not make the cut at Manchester United, but there’s not the slightest doubt in my mind that he’s got the ability to be either a very good goalkeeper at Championship level, or with a bit of luck even make the Premier League at some stage of his career. Either way it’ll be very interesting to follow his progress, and see what he can do for himself.