During the recent clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, goalkeeper Andre Onana found himself at the center of attention for more than just his stellar saves. Television cameras captured him discreetly applying a Vaseline-like cream to his gloves during a pause in the match. This seemingly innocuous act shed light on a practice among goalkeepers aimed at enhancing grip, with Onana being the latest in a line of shot-stoppers to employ such methods.

In a conversation between Coventry City’s goalkeeper, Ben Wilson, and former player Ben Foster, the topic of enhancing grip emerged. Foster reminisced about the 2014 World Cup, recalling how he witnessed Joe Hart utilizing a similar technique. Hart, in a moment of camaraderie, shared the efficacy of applying Vaseline on his gloves, dubbing it a “game changer.” Foster added weight to Hart’s words, noting that the difference in grip was palpable, especially during training sessions where he could discern who used Vaseline based on the stickiness of their catches.

Interestingly, in a 2022 interview with Conor O’Keefe, Joe Hart credited Kasper Schmeichel for introducing him to this method. This revelation underscores the passing down of knowledge and techniques among goalkeepers, with veterans like Shay Given also found to be using creams to enhance grip.

The impact of this cream on Onana’s performance was evident during the match against Liverpool. Despite facing formidable opponents, the 1996-born goalkeeper showcased solid handling, making a total of six impressive saves. Notably, his reflexes thwarted Luis Diaz in a face-off at the onset of the first half. Even Jurgen Klopp, known for his discerning eye, couldn’t help but praise Onana’s remarkable display between the sticks.

While the use of substances like Vaseline may spark debate within the footballing community, it remains within the confines of the sport’s regulations. For goalkeepers like Onana, it serves as a tool to gain a competitive edge, ensuring they can deliver performances that leave both teammates and adversaries in awe. As the game continues to evolve, so too will the tactics and techniques employed by those guarding the goalposts.