The shot-stoppers are probably not the ‘show-stoppers’ but they can be crucial in crunch-games. The European Season 2010-11′ has seen some great Goal-Keepers along with ones who have provided us with the occasional entertainment in form of ‘Bloopers’. We, here at TheHardTackle, have identified five top-performing goal-keepers of this season for the End of Season Awards. There have been some who missed out closely.
So, who is your pick among the following?
Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Stats: Games 32 Saves 76 Clean Sheets 17
The most successful goalkeeper in Barcelona’s history has had another fantastic season for the Catalans. To top it all, he has a chance to add to his two Champions League medals as he faces celebrated adversaries in Manchester United at Wembley in a few days time. Along with a disciplined defense, Valdes’ has been phenomenal in front of goal yet again, helping his team win another league title. Apart from an away game at Arsenal, Valdes has been rock-solid throughout the season. His experience and solidarity is one major reason for the team’s success in recent times.
Edwin Van Der Sar (Manchester United)
Stats: Games 33 Saves 82 Clean Sheets 14
The legendary Dutchman hung up his boots after a very successful season with the Red Devils – Premier League Champions. The amount of confidence that VDS used to give to his Back Four was quite incredible. He had often made spectacular saves this season to bail out his team in difficult times. When the team used to be in one of their ‘bad days’, it was left to the ‘Flying Dutchman’ to save them from conceding goals. He has almost kept a clean sheet in every alternate game he has played this season. He has been an amazing servant for United, providing them with six years of the ‘Final Guard’.
Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Stats: Games 38 Saves 111 Clean Sheets 18
Chosen ahead of Shay Given, the English International played an entire season for Manchester City, making a huge impact as City finished third in the Premiership table. Acrobatic and extremely agile, Hart has made tremendous strides in the last two years, a loan spell at Birmingham and a fantastic season at The City of Manchester. ‘Sidelining’ a goal-keeper of Given’s quality proves the tremendous amount of respect he has earned from the fans and the manager. Manchester City, with their defensive strategy under Mancini needed to be solid at the back, ‘Not Concede’ was their first aim in winning a game, Hart did justice to that! He has an incredible shots-to-save ratio this season.
Christian Abbiati (AC Milan)
Stats: Games 35 Saves 110 Clean Sheets 18
The AC Milan veteran, affectionately known as ‘The Beast’ took over the ‘keeping’ responsibilities from Dida at the start of the season as the latter left the club. The 33 year old has been instrumental in giving Milan the league title, by making some crucial saves in the first half of the season. Even though Milan had a great defensive shield in front of the shot-stopper, Abbiati’s help was needed in many occasions. Abbiati, who is known for his positional sense and reflexes, was praised for his incredible save of Allesandro Diamanti against Brescia in a tight encounter a few weeks back.
Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)
Stats: Games 34 Saves 114 Clean Sheets 11
After having gone through all possible youth ranks, Neuer got his first break for Schalke in 2005. He has been outstanding for Die Knappen this season, both with his impressive reflexes and admirable ball-distribution skills. The keeper was recently praised for his performance against United in the Champions league; the shot-stopper is Bayern bound already. Neuer will be remembered for that night at Veltins-Arena where despite his brilliant keeping, Manchester United sailed through to the finals. He was also identified as a possible replacement for Van Der Sar by Sir Alex but Bayern had already finalized terms for the services of the German International.
Manchester United have two in two, now. After Fergie’s victory in the first award, its time for the other oldie at the club to be honoured; and deservedly so. Edwin Van Der Sar (Man Utd) has been the saviour for his team on crucial occasions throughout this season. His utter dominance in this poll makes him the best goalkeeper of this, his last season in the game. Manuel Neuer (Schalke) came in second but was beaten by more than double number of votes.
