Former Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi has long tipped Jesse Joronen for a bright future in the game and the Finnish Under-21 international doesn’t want to disappoint.
Now in his second full season at the Club, the 18-year-old has already made significant strides having impressed last term as the Under-18s enjoyed a campaign to remember. Injury and competition for a starting spot has limited his contribution this season, however, such is his natural ability for the position Joronen is still considered a top prospect.
The command and governance that he applies within his box belies his tender years, while his capacity for a seemingly impossible stop never fails to catch the eye. Determined and committed Joronen now enters an important phase of his personal development.
Jesse Joronen - Goalkeeper
I’m in my second year at the Club now, and the first one went really well for me. I played in a lot of the games, so that was great. It was a successful season for the Under-18s and I even played a few matches for the Development Squad too.
This year has been a bit different – it’s been difficult in many ways. I’ve been injured for part of the season and of course, that pushes you back somewhat. In terms of matches, it has been a bit stop-start for me, but hopefully as we enter the New Year things will go a bit better for me.
I did have a few options elsewhere before signing for the Club, but I’m pleased with the decision that I made. I felt like I had the chance to develop here because the coaches are very patient and supportive - that’s important for the younger players.
I feel that I have improved in many areas since I arrived – particularly mentally. As a goalkeeper, you have to have a strong mind – it is crucial. You have to concentrate at all times and make sure you are ready both in body and mind. If you do make a mistake you have to move on and learn from it, that is something I have had to do. I think I’m a lot better as a result.
The best thing about being a goalkeeper is the responsibility. To play in this position you have to be worthy of trust, because it is such an important role. Just like a goal scorer, a ‘keeper can win or lose a game and it’s about dealing with that pressure positively.
The worst thing though is conceding a goal – that’s obvious. But it is even worse when that goal comes directly from a personal mistake and is something I find very difficult to deal with. But that’s the nature of the position that I play in I suppose – you can be a hero one minute to picking the ball out the next. But it’s certainly never dull.
My main strength as a ‘keeper is my calmness. I think that this is a vital trait to have because in there can be a lot going on inside that penalty box. You need to keep your composure at all times because a goalkeeper that doesn’t will get found out very quickly. I like to think that I’m also a good shot-stopper too.
Mark Schwarzer is a player that I rate very highly, so to see him work close up is fantastic. Even at 39 he is the perfect athlete, and a great role model for the younger goalkeepers. Everything he does is first-class, his preparation is exceptional and makes everything look so easy.
Edwin Van der Sar was probably the goalkeeper that I most looked up to when I was growing up. I don’t remember him too much from his Fulham days, but at Manchester United he was one of the best in the world. There have been few better in my opinion – some of the saves he would make were unbelievable.
Another keeper that made an impression was Antti Niemi who I have worked very closely with at youth level for Finland. He’s a great guy and another that I look up to. He’s the best ‘keeper our country has ever produced and one that achieved a lot in the game. Of course, he too played for Fulham and it would be great to follow in his footsteps at both club and international level.
I recently won my first Under-21 cap for Finland and that was a fantastic moment. I had played at various youth levels, so that was the natural step for me. In the two games that I have played I think I have done well and now I have to prove that I am good enough to be the number one.
The coming year is an important one for me personally, especially in terms of my development. This is a good club for a young ‘keeper, but because of that there is a lot of competition. As well all know, in a team there is only one position for a goalkeeper so at times it can be hard to establish yourself. That is the goal for me now and hopefully I can show what I can do.
