Scouting Report: Jack Butland (Birmingham City)

BERN, SWITZERLAND – AUGUST 15: Jack Butland of England during the international friendly match between England and Italy at Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf on August 15, 2012 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The facts:

Full name: Jack ButlandDate of birth: March 10th 1993Club: Birmingham CityPosition: GoalkeeperHeight: 1.96mWeight: 94.5kgSquad number: 1

Jack Butland has only come into the public eye in the last few months when he produced a fantastic performances for Team GB during the 2012 Olympic Football tournament.

In July Birmingham reportedly turned down a £6m offer from Southampton for the 19-year-old. The Birmingham manager, Lee Clarke, said it would take a “crazy” offer for the club to even consider selling the England international.

Outstanding performances at youth and now senior level has attracted the attention of reputable clubs such as Liverpool and Tottenham. One of the more memorable performances of his career came against Brazil for Team GB in a friendly before the Olympic games.

This goalkeeper is the best I have ever seen for his age and could become one of the greatest in the world. Potentially over taking Manchester City keeper, Joe Hart, as England number 1. Despite playing in England’s second division it is easy for everyone who have watched him; this man will achieve great things.

Butland has represented England at all youth levels from the under 16s. He enjoyed great success at youth level winning the UEFA Under 17 European Championship.

My ratings:

Reflexes- 83/100, potential reflexes 93/100Handling- 79/100, potential handling 89/1001-on-1s- 80/100, potential 1-on-1s 90/100Positioning- 76/100, potential positioning 84/100Defending set-pieces- 78/100, potential defending set-pieces 83/100Punching- 72/100, potential punching 80/100Composure- 88/100, potential composure 96/100Market value- £14m-£18m, potential market value £30m-£40m.

The summary:

With reflexes to match the likes of Neuer and Casillas, and a brilliant ability to get down low to make saves Birmingham are quite literally in safe hands with the youngster in goal.

Here are some links to the player in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aya-8qT0M74&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7ONHppaO14&feature=player_detailpage

Report written by Thomas Munson

Follow him on Twitter @Eltomo71