Top Goalkeepers Criticize adidas Telstar World Cup Ball

Only a few short months away from the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and it is now emerging that top Goalkeepers from around Europe are not fans of the adidas Telstar 18 Match Ball. David De Gea, Pepe Reina, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all spoke of their disappointment in the ball after Spain and Germany played in a friendly March 23rd that ended 1-1.

Spain and Manchester United number one choice keeper, David De Gea has been quoted in the media as saying, "It's really strange...It could have been made better."

adidas Telstar 2018 World Cup Match Ball

Pepe Reina went on to say, "I bet you as much as you like that we'll see at least 35 goals from long range [in Russia], because it's impossible to work out, And it's covered in a plastic film that makes it difficult to hold on to."

Marc-André ter Stegen gave a different view of the ball and seemed to accept that goalkeepers are just going to have to live with the unpredictable ball. "The ball could be better; it moves a lot. But I think we're just going to have to get used to working with it, and try to get to grips with it as quickly as possible before the World Cup starts. We've got no other option."

It is interesting to see the goalkeeper's remarks after no complaints had been made publicly up to this point. The Telstar 18 is a based on the design used during the 1970 and 1974 World Cups. The new design features 6 panel design with all brand new panel shapes. Could this be another year of exciting goal much like we saw with the Brazuca in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?

What are your thoughts on these Goalkeepers criticism of the Telstar 18 Match Ball? Leave us your comments down below!