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“As a goalkeeper you need to be good at organizing the people in front of you and motivating them. You need to see what’s going on and react to the threats. Just like a good manager in business. “
-Peter Shilton
The goalkeeper represents the last line of defence in football. Such is the impact made by the goalkeepers, that they can single-handedly motivate a team by their sheer presence. Such is also the importance of a player in that position that he is generally referred to as ‘custodian’. Although people fail to appreciate what the goalkeeper brings to the table, the impact he makes on the grass is significant in a fan’s point of view.
On the note of paying tribute to the most under-rated position in football, here is a list of the top goalkeepers for the month of January.
Vote for your favorite Goalkeeper of the month.
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Considered as one of the most formidable keepers of the game, Neuer has been in top form in the Bundesliga where he has had 3 successive clean sheets against VfB Stuttgart, Greuther Furth and most recently against Mainz. In all fairness, Jupp Heynckes has got his tactics right by bringing in Dante for the injured Holger Badstuber. Although he hasn’t had much to this month, his effective decision making and astounding reflexes make him one of the most effective goalkeepers to feature in the game.
Stats that matter- 4 clean sheets in 5 matches (excluding the mid season friendly against Basel).
Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers)
The experienced Brazilian is perhaps the only consistent performer for the London club who are 4 points adrift from the rest of the league. Although the 33-year-old has failed to motivate his club to score more goals, he has made an outstanding number of saves this season, which attributes to the club’s recent unbeaten record disregarding the arrival of Harry Redknapp. He is the only goalkeeper in the Premier League to keep clean sheets in the entire month of January which makes him a top nominee despite the condition of his club.
Stats that matter- Has not conceded a goal in the month of January and has made the most number of saves in the month in the Premier League.
Morgan De Sanctis (SSC Napoli)
The Napoli number 1 has been impressive right through the season, but has been particularly good in January, and has also managed to hold on to 3 clean sheets despite the media linking him to various clubs in the winter transfer window. Amid the buzz, De Sanctis has kept his head down and his impressive goalkeeping has seen the team from the Naples pull up within 3 points of Juventus. If he continues keeping up his performances on a consistent basis, he could be the catalyst that wins Napoli their first title in 23 years.
Stats that matter- Has kept 3 out of 5 clean sheets and has made important saves particularly against Fiorentina, although he didn’t keep a clean sheet.
Thibaut Courtois (Athletico Madrid )(on loan from Chelsea)
In the five games played in the month, Courtois has started in all and has succeeded in keeping 3 clean sheets that has resulted in a dream run this season for the UEFA Super Cup winners. With Radamel Falcao hogging the limelight with his performances, Courtois has been overshadowed and been made the scapegoat when when his side have performed below par. He is one of the main success stories this season, despite being a player on loan from Chelsea, where he would have to play second fiddle to Petr Cech.
Stats that matter- 3 clean sheets in 5 games, all in a winning cause.
What can be noted from the comparison of these Goalkeepers is the fact that all the clean sheets kept by them have been in a winning cause, which only goes on to illustrate their importance in the team as compared to a player in any other position.
