With only hours remaining before kickoff between Manchester City FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge, whitecapsfc.com switches from examining City’s strikers to the men whose job depends upon consistency, agility, and keeping the ball out of City’s goal in the English Premier League (EPL) and UEFA Champions League.
In the final part of our six-part series featuring 'The Citizens', today’s segment looks at City's goalkeepers. The Northwest English club's goalkeeping situation for the World Football Challenge features a wide variety of age and skill level. From possessing England’s most coveted goalkeeper, a savvy veteran, and two young future stars, City’s goalkeepers provide a storyline no matter who receives manager Roberto Mancini's nod.
City's starting goalkeeper, and widely regarded as England's top shot-stopper, is Joe Hart. Having joined the club in 2006, Hart spent the majority of his time on loan throughout his career with 'The Citizens'. In 54 appearances during City's campaign, Hart has recorded 29 clean sheets and led City to a third-place finish in the EPL standings last season. The former Shrewsbury Town FC goalkeeper has already made 11 international appearances for England and took home the 2010-11 Barclays Golden Glove award. At 24 years of age, Hart also captured the Manchester City Performance of the Season accolade and backstopped City to the 2011 English FA Cup title over EPL rivals Stoke City FC back in May.
Encompassing the depth and leadership part of City’s goalkeeping behind Hart is English goalkeeper Stuart Taylor. Playing for his eighth professional football club, Taylor joined City in 2009 after spending time with Arsenal FC (1997-2005) and Aston Villa FC (2005-2009). While on loan throughout much of his career, Taylor’s knack for consistency and experience cannot be understated. While with Arsenal FC, Taylor captured the 2001-02 English Premier League title, the 2003 English FA Cup over Southampton FC, and the English FA Community Shield in 1999 and 2003. With City, Taylor made one appearance last season during their run to the English FA Cup title.
The other two goalkeepers on City’s World Football Challenge roster represent even brighter days ahead for the club. 18-year-old German goalkeeper Loris Karius currently plays with City’s reserve squad. While Karius is only beginning his career with 'The Blues', the youngster has contributed to Germany’s youth international squads, having made one appearance in his career for his country's U-19 team. Also with City is Norwegian goalkeeper Eirik Johansen. The 19-year-old also plays for City's reserve squad and has featured six times for Norway's U-19 side.
With consistent goalkeeping comes consistent success and that motto has done Hart and company well in protecting City’s goal. In their quest to become the 2011-12 EPL champions, Man City’s goalkeepers will undoubtedly play a crucial role, if they are to defeat rivals like Manchester United FC. As for tonight, Whitecaps FC will have to bring their scoring touch in order to beat City’s best, as they meet on Bell Pitch at Empire Field on Monday night.
