Max Crocombe

First-choice goalkeeper for NZ

Crocombe has been named in New Zealand's World Cup squad as the first-choice goalkeeper under coach Darren Bazeley, set to be one of the busiest stoppers at the entire tournament given the attacking quality of the opposition New Zealand will face in the group stage.

Analysis: Crocombe made 23 Championship appearances for Millwall this season, recording nine clean sheets in a campaign that demonstrated his shot-stopping reliability and composure under pressure at a competitive level. His experience in the English second division gives him the preparation needed to handle the intensity of a World Cup, and his ability to make crucial saves and organize his defensive unit will be absolutely essential for a New Zealand side that will likely spend large portions of their group stage matches defending. For the All Whites, Crocombe is the most important player on the pitch given the caliber of opposition they face, and his performances between the posts will be the single biggest factor in determining whether New Zealand can cause any upsets this summer.