sweeper-keeper

English

Alternative forms

• sweeper keeper

Noun

sweeper-keeper (plural sweeper-keepers)

1. (soccer) A hybrid of goalkeeper and sweeper roles – a goalkeeper who leaves the penalty area to start attacks.
   • 2004 03, Jacob Daniel, The Complete Guide to Coaching Soccer Systems and Tactics, Reedswain Inc., →ISBN:

     With teams playing in a more compact fashion and defenders pushing up without the safety of a sweeper behind them, the keeper's role has evolved to that of a sweeper-keeper. Gone are the days when a keeper could remain in his sixyard box and just play his line.

   • 2017 July 15, Paul Challen, What Does a Goalkeeper Do?, The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, →ISBN, page 22:

     Sweeper keepers have high “soccer IQs” and know how to “read” the game brilliantly. They are able to play with their feet and head with equal skill to any defender.

   • 2021 February 18, Leo Moynihan, Thou Shall Not Pass: The Anatomy of Football’s Centre-Half, Bloomsbury Publishing, →ISBN, page 104:

     It was a rule that made all keepers potential sweeper-keepers, and van der Sar was one of the very best around.