Crewe Alexandra’s goalkeeping coach Fred Barber is predicting a bright future for our teenage goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen.
Following his release from Bolton Wanderers, Barber convinced the 19-year-old’s dad, Jussi, to allow his son to train with Crewe instead of returning to his native Finland. Barber believed that the driven stopper could still make the grade in the British game and encouraged him to try and win a deal with Crewe.
Will did just that and Barber believes that if he can continue to develop at the rate that he is, he can have a very bright future in the game.
Fred told the club’s official website: “I’ve coached Will since he was 10 years-old through the soccer schools that I run and I see some of the characteristics in him that I saw in his dad. Jussi was very focussed and driven and Will is the same.
“Jussi had nothing when he came over. He had a suitcase of his clothes and his wife and he reached the top. You don’t do that unless you work hard to improve and have that drive.
“I do think Will can go a long way in the game. He trains like his dad. He listens and wants to improve.
“His dad is very good with him. He leaves him alone and doesn’t interfere with what we are trying to teach him here. Jussi said that I helped him develop as a goalkeeper and that he wants the same for his son. That is a major compliment and hopefully we can help develop Will and Dave and Ben, so other clubs want to buy our goalkeepers.”