Wednesday, May 14, 2008

07/08 Season Review - GoalKeepers

As the season has officially ended, at least for Liverpool, it's time to reflect back on the season's highs and lows. Players review as you can say, I will be starting from Pepe Reina, and all the way to Spanish wonder Fernando Torres.

Liverpool didn't win any trophies this season but there were many positives to be mentioned. Breaking records and constantly progressing as each season passes by is definitely something we can work towards.

Without further ado, let's start.

Pepe Reina
The number 25 has been the man between the posts for Liverpool for the past 3 seasons consecutively. Rafa Benitez has been keeping faith with Pepe's safe hands and I agreed totally with his choice. Ever since he came to England, I have always like him and feel that he's one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. He has been constantly improving and and I do believe that he can be our goalkeeper for many years in time.

There might be some criticism on him due to some blunders and poor decision making during the years. However, there's no goalkeeper in this world who don't make mistakes. It's the least mistakes he make which shows the quality of a goalkeeper. Pepe is one of those who can bounce back quickly and come up with good performances.

I love his kicks and throws for counter-attacks. He even has an assist for Torres to score against Fulham at Anfield during the season. Accuracy is something which I always admire to see him spreading the play to the outfield players.

He has won the Golden Gloves 2 times already, and this season, he has once again emerged victorious against other goalkeepers by clinching the award for 3 consecutive times. WELL DONE PEPE!

He's a good goalkeeper and I do hope to see him standing in front of our goal line, saving shots and keeping clean sheets in many seasons to come.

Ratings: 4 / 5


Charles Itandje
Liverpool 2nd goalkeeper has not been the happiest player and I should say, a difficult situation to be in. Itandje is playing behind a world class goalkeeper and I can understand that it's difficult for him to just take over Pepe. Having said that, he has been a great professional. He didn't complain about sitting on the bench (not that I know of) and is patiently waiting for his chance.

He played in the cup competitions these seasons as Rafa has promised him. Unfortunately, Liverpool went out of these competitions pretty early and hence, Charles didn't have much time and opportunities to show the fans how good he is. He made some great saves during these matches and he was really unlucky to concede some deflected goals and own goals which he couldn't do much about it.

Due to his little appearances, it's hard for fans like myself to judge him based on several matches. Nevertheless, I do think that he's a steady goalkeeper who is ready to come on when needed to. About this future in Liverpool, it's really tough to say. It's all depends on him whether he would stay on and fight for the no1 spot or looking else where for first team football.

Ratings: 3 / 5

Up next, it would be likes of Jamie Carragher and new signing Martin Skrtel. Stay tuned.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

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