Keylor Navas: Insights from His Goalkeeping Coach in Argentina
Gastón Monzón sheds light on the exceptional discipline and skills of the renowned Costa Rican goalkeeper.
Keylor Navas, the celebrated Costa Rican goalkeeper, is currently under the guidance of Gastón Monzón, the goalkeeping coach for Newell’s Old Boys during Cristian Fabbiani's tenure as head coach.
Monzón, a 37-year-old former Argentine goalkeeper, won the Copa de Argentina with Huracán in the 2013-2014 season.
He has also worked with prominent Argentine goalkeepers such as Sergio Romero, who is currently with Boca Juniors and was the national team's goalkeeper during several key tournaments, including the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
Monzón described his experience working with Navas as exceptional, noting the Costa Rican’s intense discipline and dedication.
"From Keylor, you learn about ultra-discipline.
What he practices at the club, he also does in the afternoon when he should be resting; it’s incredible," Monzón stated.
He highlighted several secrets to maintaining Navas's performance levels, reminiscent of his peak years while playing for Real Madrid from 2014 to 2019. "He does stretches, exercises on a stationary bike in a sauna, his nutrition is fantastic, and he possesses the speed of an 18-year-old," Monzón explained.
Monzón emphasized the defensive strategies implemented by Cristian Fabbiani to better protect Navas in goal.
"We are providing much more protection for Keylor.
Except for the match against Barracas, where Newell's suffered a 2-0 defeat, it is very difficult to score against him from outside the area.
He has excellent positioning; he is like a cat in the goal.
He is an elite goalkeeper," he remarked.
Navas himself expressed his enjoyment of playing football in Argentina, sharing that he has rediscovered his passion for the game.
In an interview earlier this year, he stated, "Here we are on a new adventure, trying to enjoy what football is again.
I strive as always, try to help, follow the guidance to improve, and just enjoy.
Every day I go to training, I enjoy it immensely and thank God for being a footballer."
Since joining Newell's, Navas has participated in eight matches, accumulating a total of 720 minutes on the pitch, achieving two victories, two draws, and three losses.
His next challenge will be against Boca Juniors on March 30 at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, home of the 'Leproso.'
Monzón, a 37-year-old former Argentine goalkeeper, won the Copa de Argentina with Huracán in the 2013-2014 season.
He has also worked with prominent Argentine goalkeepers such as Sergio Romero, who is currently with Boca Juniors and was the national team's goalkeeper during several key tournaments, including the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
Monzón described his experience working with Navas as exceptional, noting the Costa Rican’s intense discipline and dedication.
"From Keylor, you learn about ultra-discipline.
What he practices at the club, he also does in the afternoon when he should be resting; it’s incredible," Monzón stated.
He highlighted several secrets to maintaining Navas's performance levels, reminiscent of his peak years while playing for Real Madrid from 2014 to 2019. "He does stretches, exercises on a stationary bike in a sauna, his nutrition is fantastic, and he possesses the speed of an 18-year-old," Monzón explained.
Monzón emphasized the defensive strategies implemented by Cristian Fabbiani to better protect Navas in goal.
"We are providing much more protection for Keylor.
Except for the match against Barracas, where Newell's suffered a 2-0 defeat, it is very difficult to score against him from outside the area.
He has excellent positioning; he is like a cat in the goal.
He is an elite goalkeeper," he remarked.
Navas himself expressed his enjoyment of playing football in Argentina, sharing that he has rediscovered his passion for the game.
In an interview earlier this year, he stated, "Here we are on a new adventure, trying to enjoy what football is again.
I strive as always, try to help, follow the guidance to improve, and just enjoy.
Every day I go to training, I enjoy it immensely and thank God for being a footballer."
Since joining Newell's, Navas has participated in eight matches, accumulating a total of 720 minutes on the pitch, achieving two victories, two draws, and three losses.
His next challenge will be against Boca Juniors on March 30 at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, home of the 'Leproso.'
