It’s incredible how much hard work pays off. Before Udinese’s match against Bologna at the start of February, Zeljko Brkic, who’s had his faults this season, picked up a knock during warm-up. Francesco Guidolin didn’t have a lot of confidence in his backup Ivan Kelava, so he called over 17-year-old Friulano Simone Scuffet and told him he’d be starting.
For a kid who should still be in grade school, it’s a nerve wracking moment when finding out they have to start in their first professional game. When he’s a goalkeeper, easily the most stressful position on the pitch, it’s even more difficult.
Yet Scuffet performed brilliantly on his debut. He only faced one shot on target, but was confident when claiming crosses and took command of his area as if he was a 10 year veteran. His performance led to a 2-0 Udinese win.
Since that day, Scuffet hasn’t lost his spot and has gradually improved. He earned consecutive clean sheets in a 3-0 victory against Chievo. His breakout game came versus AC Milan at the San Siro in a 1-0 win. Had it not been for the youngsters heroics, the Rossoneri may have claimed a result on the night.
Most goalkeepers struggle to maintain consistent performances except for the world class. Scuffet has had some off days, like the Cagliari loss on March 2nd, but as any developing player should do, he bounced back in a big way.
It would’ve been tough to top that five save performance at Milan, but Scuffet did it. He pulled off a couple of reaction saves against Inter to keep his team alive in the match. The game finished 0-0 and the homegrown talent recorded his fifth clean sheet in Serie A.
The Zebrette’s last game against Catania might have even trumped that midweek showing. Even though the Rossazzurri are bottom of the table and have one of the most impotent attacks, Scuffet was still needed. He made seven saves as Antonio Di Natale rewarded him for the effort and the Bianconeri walked out 1-0 victors.
In 10 games, Scuffet has six clean sheets in domestic play, which is the joint-most during that period. Not even Gianluigi Buffon, his supposed predecessor as the next great Italian goalkeeper, has as many.
While it’s still premature to say that a 17-year-old kid is the heir apparent, he’s certainly showing signs of it. His shot-stopping abilities aren’t matched by many and is constantly alert, something that a lot of young keepers can’t do because their attention span is so short.
If he could improve one area, it’s claiming crosses and his passing, but that will improve as Scuffet’s body develops. As for his on-the-ball attributes, that can easily be taught. What isn’t teachable is terrific reflexes and focus.
That’s why he’s supposedly being monitored by Roma, Juventus, Arsenal, and many others. Udinese have already said he’s not for sale. They are also reportedly trying to extend his contract to 2019, so that when they do sell another one of their talents, it’s for an astronomical fee.
Scuffet is on his way to stardom, there’s no doubt. It’s a little ridiculous to say that he’s already ahead of other young goalkeepers like Mattia Perin or Francesco Bardi, since they’re at least four years older than him. However, he’ll be better than they are now, once the teenager is reaches his twenties.
