Former Liverpool midfielder Nigel Spackman feels Adam Bogdan should have more presence in the penalty box, following the goalkeeper’s indifferent display in the 2-2 draw at Exeter City in the FA Cup last night.
The Hungarian international, who joined the Reds from Bolton Wanderers in the summer, conceded directly from Lee Holmes' corner in first half injury time, which put Exeter 2-1 up.
Although Bogdan put in a much improved second half display, it was Brad Smith who saved the goalkeeper’s blushes by scoring a 73rd minute equaliser.
It was the 28-year-old’s second consecutive poor outing, with Bogdan letting in three goals on his Premier League debut against Watford last month.
And Spackman, who played with legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, thinks Bogdan is currently short of confidence after his display at Watford.
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The 55-year-old went on to add that Bogdan should not be bothered by nudges from opposing players as he thinks the former Bolton man should have more command of the area.
“He’s short of confidence anyway after what happened at Watford”, he said on LFC TV.
“Although he made an outstanding save in the second half, tonight he was getting bothered by [Alex] Nicholls, who was giving him bit of a nudge.
“But as a goalkeeper, I have played with Bruce Grobbelaar, and Bruce would have pushed him out of the way, and I think that’s the confidence you should have.
“But he doesn’t have that presence at the moment, he’s little short of confidence.
“When the ball comes in he’s worried about the little nudge from the centre forward and misjudges it.
“I think he actually wanted to knock it out over the crossbar and missed it completely, and it went in straight into the back of the net.”
Bogdan has thus far made five appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, keeping one clean sheet.
