The Golden Glove contenders - Euro 2012

Golden Glove is an award given traditionally to the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Let us analyse some of the top goal-keepers who will be competing for the Golden Glove at the Euros this year.

1 . Joe Hart – England

Joe Hart is probably the best goalkeeper in the world today. The Golden Glove winner in both the 2010-11 & 2011-12 English Premier League seasons made his international debut in September 2010. Since then he has established himself as the first choice goalkeeper for England.

Joe Hart started his career with Shrewsbury Town where he put up decent performances which led to his transfer to Manchester City 15,00,000 pounds. Since then, Hart has had a terrific time with the Citizens. He has so far played 126 games for Manchester City, recording 71 clean sheets.

Hart will be the favourite to win the Golden Glove

2 . Hugo lloris – France

The 25 year old and the current French captain is known to be amongst the best goal-keepers in the world. Lloris is described as a goalkeeper with ‘lightning reflexes’ and ‘good decision-making.’

Lloris received his first international call-up on 6th February 2008 against Spain. His phenomenal performance against Republic of Ireland got applauded by pundits and ex-players. Subsequently, Lloris was included in the 23 men squad travelling to South Africa in 2010 as the first choice goal-keeper.

His performances for both club and country were widely recognized and on 28th February 2012, he was named the captain of the French team ahead of 2012 Euro Cup.

Lloris, the current captain of France .

3 . Iker Casillas – Spain

The Spanish goalkeeper was the winner of the Golden Glove in Euro 2008 . Currently he captains both his country and club. At the end of the year 2009, Iker Casillas was nominated in the UEFA team of the year, consequently for the third time. In November 2011, Iker Casillas became the most capped Spanish international ever.

Iker Casillas made his international debut in the year 2000 and since then has played 129 games for Spain. He is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers of all time . He is a highly consistent footballer who seldom gives you a disappointing game. Surely, this year as well he will be one of the front runners for the Golden Glove award.

Spain Captain, Iker Casillas.

4 . Petr ?ech – Czech Republic

Czech Republic will enter the tournament as the dark horses. If they manage to reach beyond the round of sixteen, it would be a massive surprise. If they are to shock the world, the responsibility lies with one of the best goal-keepers Chelsea have ever had - Petr ?ech.

?ech currently holds the record for the fastest 100 clean sheets in the Premier League. He has also went through 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal . ?ech is known for his bold and brilliant reflex saves.

?ech, made his international debut in the year 2002 .

5. Manuel Neuer – Germany

Neuer made his international debut against UAE on 2 June, 2009 . Manuel Neuer since then, has been very consistent and his good performances led to praises from experts, and eventually earned a move to Bayern Munich. Neuer had an excellent first season with Bayern Munich and would like to extend it by helping German national team in the Euro 2012.

Neuer has so far played 25 games for Germany. His finest achievements include playing every single minute in the qualification rounds of the Euro 2012, helping Germany secure ten wins out of ten matches to top the group. He had an excellent game against Turkey in which he not only made saves but helped in the build-up to Mario Gomez’s goal as well.

Neuer won the Bundesliga Player of the Year 2011.

Notable Mentions -:

1. Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

2. Maarten Stekelenburg, Netherlands

3. Tim Krul, Netherlands

4. Pepe Reina, Spain

5. Victor Valdes, Spain