In the realm of football, few positions are as closely tied to family legacy as that of a goalkeeper. The Jaaskelainen name is no stranger to this tradition, with former Bolton Wanderers legend Jussi Jaaskelainen's son Will now following his father into the goalmouth. At 21 years old and playing for Crewe Alexandra in League Two, Will hopes to emulate Kasper Schmeichel by stepping out of his father’s shadow and becoming a world-class keeper.

Will Jaaskelainen's journey began at an early age when he decided that he wanted to play football like his dad. 'With a surname like mine, everyone knows who I am-or at least who my dad is,' Will said. 'It's a pretty obvious connection.' However, he remains proud of following in Jussi's footsteps.

Jussi Jaaskelainen had an impressive 15-year career with Bolton Wanderers, making over 500 appearances and ranking third on the club's all-time appearances chart. His son Will, however, left without making the first team for two-and-a-half years after joining Crewe in 2023.

Will looks up to Kasper Schmeichel as a role model. 'I look up to Kasper Schmeichel and what he's achieved by following in his father's footsteps,' Will explained. 'Now he's not just the son of a famous father; he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world in his own right.'

Schmeichel's path from lower leagues to international success has inspired Will, who believes that gaining experience through loan spells and non-League football can be invaluable. 'Going out on loan and playing 60-odd games over two years helped me a lot,' said Jaaskelainen. 'You hear every comment from behind the goal; it sharpens your mind and maybe develops a thicker skin.'

While Jussi was once rated by his team-mates as one of the top three goalkeepers in the Premier League, Will is still building his reputation at Crewe Alexandra. His father's legacy looms large, but Will hopes to carve out his own path and potentially follow in the footsteps of future international players who have come through the Railwaymen's ranks.

As Will continues to develop as a goalkeeper, he remains focused on improving and proving himself. 'Now I just need to keep working hard and trying my best every game,' said Jaaskelainen.