Ben Killip is Portsmouth’s perfect Nicolas Schmid replacement, these stats explain why
Ben Killip’s position as Portsmouth’s back-up goalkeeper has been questioned in recent weeks.
With Nicolas Schmid now out of action for Portsmouth for months, the 29-year-old has been forced to step into the net.
However, Killip’s performances at Fratton Park have left much to be desired, with the keeper letting in two goals against Sheffield Wednesday on the weekend.
While there have been suggestions that Portsmouth should sign a free agent goalkeeper to replace the injured Schmid, there is a belief that Killip can quickly turn his form around.
Ben Killip betters Nicolas Schmid in multiple stats
While Killip may have struggled against both Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, overall, his stats remain solid.
According to Fotmob on 23 September, the goalkeeper has maintained a good save rate, a solid goals prevention ratio and has made plenty of high claims.
Even Killip’s kicking, which has been regularly questioned, has been good, finding his intended man more often than not.
In comparison, Schmid has better stats in multiple areas, particularly with goals prevented. However, Killip is still ahead in areas such as saves per 90 minutes.
| Stats per 90 minutes in the Championship this season | Ben Killip | Nicolas Schmid |
| Saves | 4.09 | 2.33 |
| Save percentage | 77.8% | 76.9% |
| Goals prevented | 0.24 | 0.65 |
| Errors leading to goals | 0 | 0 |
| High claim | 0.58 | 0.70 |
| Passing accuracy | 59.7% | 54.8% |
| Accurate long balls | 9.94 | 7.69 |
| Long ball accuracy | 35.4% | 29.5% |
Therefore, while Killip may be a slight downgrade compared to Schmid, there is plenty to suggest that he can fill in for Schmid while he recovers from his injury.
The goalkeeper has shown plenty of signs that he can compete in the Championship, and as his game sharpness increases, performances should continue to improve.
John Mousinho defends Ben Killip after Portsmouth defeat
While many players were poor after the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, Killip’s performance came under particular scrutiny.
However, Mousinho has since come out to defend Killip after Portsmouth’s defeat, explaining that the goalkeeper “wasn’t the issue”.
He said: “He made a good save early on and probably kept the scoreline down with some of his saves. I will assess everybody’s performance.
“Ben wasn’t the issue on Saturday; we had far bigger issues than that.”
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