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Hallgrimsson lauds Blake’s ‘other’ qualities
June 27, 2023
Reggae Boyz coach Heimir Hallgrimsson admires what his captain Andre Blake brings off the field, despite his qualities on the pitch, which make the national goalkeeper one of the best shot-stoppers in the Concacaf region.
Hallgrimsson admitted that Blake impressed him as a person and a professional. He said it is a bonus to have a personality like Blake's.
"First and foremost, he is a good person with a fantastic personality. As a player and a professional, he is spot on. He is demanding both on himself and his teammates, and it is good to have players like that around us, that will push the other players," Hallgrimsson commented.
On Saturday, Jamaica played to a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the Concacaf Gold Cup against hosts the United States of America (USA). Blake was Jamaica's most impressive player over the 90 minutes.
Eight minutes into the match Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Blake denied a great opportunity from Alan Sonora, who came in unmarked at the back post. Then on the stroke of halftime, the 32-year-old was super sharp off his line to snuff a golden chance from Aiden Morris.
In the second half, the USA pressured Jamaica for the equaliser, and only Blake's superb reaction denied Christian Roldon in the 71st minute.
The USA eventually equalised through Brandon Vasquez in the 88th minute, but Hallgrimsson praised his custodian.
"As a technical goalkeeper, I thought he showed how good he is at reading the game, running out to stop the shot before that happened.
"He reacts quickly, and I thought he had two brilliant saves. So I cannot compliment him enough, but what I admire most is his personality and professionalism," Hallgrimsson added.
