Jalal: New ball takes out the art of goalkeeping

AFC Bournemouth 'keeper Shwan Jalal has criticised the new Tensile ball from Mitre.

The Mitre Tensile is the official ball of the Football League, but like the Adidas Jabulani ball used in the World Cup in South Africa, it has already received mixed reviews.



Mitre call it 'the most advanced football in the world' due to it being 'comprised of just 10 panels and has over 30% less stitching'.

Marketing Manager for Mitre Nick Crook said in Mitre's press release...

'Mitre are committed to ball performance, we are very proud of the TENSILE and the innovation and technology used to create the ball underlies what Mitre has been associated with for nearly 200 years. The TENSILE is a players ball, uses the very latest technology and we`ve no doubt it will add to the excitement and spectacle of the new season - and hopefully more goals!'.

But Cherries goalkeeper Shwan Jalal isn't impressed and told the Daily Echo...

"I`m getting used to it. I have worked hard with Mossy (Neil Moss) and we have spoken about it.

"The key is that you have got to stand your ground, wait for the ball to move and then make your decision. A lot of keepers are going to be caught out if they go too early.

"Unfortunately, I think it takes out the art of goalkeeping."

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