AMADEO CARRIZO (1926-2020), PRECURSOR OF THE MODERN GOALKEEPER

Amadeo Carrizo debuted at the age of 18 in 1945 as Goalkeeper for River Plate, where he played continuously until 1968. That year he set an unbeaten hurdle record for 769 minutes. He played 20 games for the Argentina National Team, being the starting goalkeeper in the 1958 World Cup. He finished his career in 1970 playing in Colombia for the Club Millonarios.

His impressive figure, almost 1.90 meters tall, distinguished him from most Goalkeepers of the time. But he also stood out in the game, for his ease in dominating air crosses, his attack on the opponent in 1 versus 1 situations, and his ability to handle the ball with his feet. He was an initiator of the defender- Goalkeeper style, with decision and ability to leave the box playing with his feet and using the goal kick to initiate the attacks, perfectly amalgamating to the offensive game that characterized his team.

He was also a pioneer in the use of gloves and knee pads. His style influenced many important South American Goalkeepers, such as Hugo Orlando Gatti, René Higuita and José Luis Chilavert.

His importance in football was such that in Argentina his birth day, June 12, is celebrated on as Goalkeeper ‘s Day. Turns of Fate, Carrizo passed away, exactly the same day, 30 years after, than Lev Yashim, a Russian Goalkeeper considered by many to be the best archer in history and with whom they were united in mutual admiration.