Two goalkeeper names stood out as the EHF revealed its 2026 Teams of the Season: Emil Nielsen in the men’s selection and Johanna Bundsen in the women’s. An award gives us a name to follow. The more interesting question for a goalkeeper is what to watch once the video starts.
Nielsen, representing Denmark and Barça, was named in the men’s team on 24 June. The EHF selection combined votes from fans, players, coaches and media, with each group contributing a quarter of the result. It recognised performances across club and national team competition. EHF men’s announcement.
Bundsen, representing Sweden and Metz Handball, took the goalkeeper place in the women’s selection announced on 23 June. EHF women’s announcement.
Before you copy the save
A highlight can make an elite save look like one extraordinary movement. Pause earlier and a different lesson may appear: where the goalkeeper started, how the defence affected the shot, and which options remained open as the attacker prepared to release.
That is my coaching perspective on these awards. Recognition can guide your attention, but it does not tell you which technique suits your body or your team. The voting also cannot establish that one goalkeeper has the most efficient movement in every situation.
Choose one match sequence involving Nielsen or Bundsen. Watch the attack at normal speed first. Then replay from the pass before the shot. Notice the goalkeeper’s position when the attacker receives the ball, and follow the adjustment through to release.
Now include a goal from a similar situation. What changed: the release point, the defensive pressure, the goalkeeper’s starting position, or the timing? If the video does not show enough, leave the question open.
Take one detail to training
Choose a detail you can describe without using the player’s name. “Find a balanced position before the release” is something you can practise. “Save like Nielsen” is not a useful instruction on its own.
Set up a manageable version of the situation and film a few attempts. The award brought you to the video. The detail you can recognise and repeat is what you take away.
