Manning The Posts: Romel Quinonez

hqdefault

Romel Quinonez

Age: 23

Club: Bolivar

Nationality: Bolivian

Position: Goalkeeper

The golden age for goalkeepers is somewhere between 24 and 30, when their experience matches their physical ability, and they can read the lines better than even the most skilled of midfielders. So it may come as a surprise that the first choice net minder for the Bolivian national team is none other than 23 year old Romel Quinonez.

At 5’11, he’s not the biggest of goalkeepers, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in mobility. After earning his first start with Bolivar when he was 17, Bolivar cemented his place as the team’s starting keeper, and never looked back. Since he first started with the club, he’s featured in 128 matches, allowing 130 goals.

Quinonez has found success for country, as well. In a match against Ecuador during last summer’s Copa American, the net minder fought off a tough Ecuadorian attack, earning Bolivia a victory, and winning man of the match honors for his effort.  In all, he stopped 19 of Ecuador’s 21 shots. So what does that mean for the young Bolivian? For starters, it means that any opponent looking to score is going to have to put forth their best effort.

How to cite this article: “The Young Guns” Written by Shaker Samman (2016), Copa America Centenario 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/copa-america-centenario-2016-guide/the-young-guns/ (accessed on (date)).