Name: Bert Frederick Williams
Nickname: "The Big cat"
Country:
EnglandClub: Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Position: GK
Side: RF/BS
Age: 29-35 years (31/01/1920)
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 77 kg
Attack: 30
Defence: 87
Balance: 83
Stamina: 69
Top Speed: 79
Acceleration: 82
Response: 96
Agility: 84
Dribble Accuracy: 51
Dribble Speed: 53
Short Pass Accuracy: 62
Short Pass Speed: 58
Long Pass Accuracy: 75
Long Pass Speed: 67
Shot Accuracy: 42
Shot Power: 81
Shot Technique: 42
Free Kick Accuracy: 45
Curling: 47
Header: 48
Jump: 87
Technique: 52
Aggression: 60
Mentality: 85
Goalkeeper Skills: 92
Team Work: 78
Injury Tolerance: B
Condition: 8
Weak Foot Accuracy: 4
Weak Foot Frequency: 4
Consistency: 7
Growth type: Standard/Lasting
CARDS:
S12 - 1-on-1 Keeper
S26 - GK Long Throw
SPECIAL ABILITIES: 1-on-1 Stopper
Attack/Defence Awareness Card: Defence Minded
INFO:
Bert Williams, nicknamed the Cat, was considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the time. One of the greatest Wolverhampton Wanderers legends, he played 419 matches for them between 1945 and 1959 and capped 24 times for England. He was bought from Walsall where he was considered inappropriate due to his height.
His teammate Ron Flowers said that Williams was a fitness fanatic and the fastest man in the English league considering that he clocked a bit over ten seconds over 100 yards − even more impressive considering his position and the era. He could leave the goal-line to run and intercept crosses even when they were out of reach. He often walked for miles from home to the training ground to strengthen his calves and reduce his reaction time for more efficient saves. Even when recovering from injuries, he still dived full-length on to concrete to test his progress. Acknowledging his height problem, he tried to stretch himself by hanging from door-frames. That level of dedication combined to his natural abilities made him << the most brilliant of all English goalkeepers >> − using Stan Cullis words. Gordon Banks admired his athleticism, agility, ability to usually get the ball in the top corner. In fact he's one of the most spectacular and acrobatic goalkeepers in the history of English football. In a 1949 match against Italy − won by England − he impressed his opponents with breathtaking saves, including one after he changed direction in mid-air. Despite not having a great physique, he had courage and strength enough to protect himself from the heavy challenges of that time. In addition to his goalkeeper abilities he could deliver efficient and accurate throws that set up dangerous offensive actions that often led to goals.