Even during those years there were plenty of us observing that although he looks great currently being peppered with shots, he still has the same weaknesses with his game that he does now. I don’t think it is bold claim to make that if DDG’s shot stopping goes though an average spell, then he barely looks like a top half Prem keeper. There’s nothing else to him in terms of leadership, creativity from the back, rushing out, commanding his area.
I’ve always, always, always had VDS down as superior and thought the contract was a big risk at the time.