I used to like hockey but that was because I played it in High School.
To cut the long story short, I am taking about the Top Eleven Goalkeepers, those who would come to prominence at the this year World Cup
Prior to World Cup, Stewart Coggin of about.com analysed the top 10 goalkeepers who are likely to be prominent at this year's World Cup. Vincent Enyeama has pushed his way into that list, somehow.
I have included him as the eleventh Goalkeeper. I think he is worthy of that position, he did brilliantly well in the games Nigeria played against Argentina and Greece. Enyeama has been one of the standout performers of the competition so far.
It was stated that Avram Grant is using his Israeli connections to clinch a deal as soon as the World Cup ends. Woah! I am happy for Nigeria’s Keeper Fantastic!!!
PROFILES OF STEWARD'S TOP TEN AND DAMMY'S TOP ELEVEN
1. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Together with Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Buffon is thought of my many observers as the best goalkeeper of the last decade. The Juventus custodian has few weaknesses and remains the most expensive goalkeeper in the world following his 2001 move from Parma to Juve.
2. Iker Casillas (Spain)
"Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas"
'Saint Iker,' as he is known at Real Madrid, has been his club's first-choice goalkeeper since he was a teenager, having come through the youth set-up. He has made a few high profile errors for Real Madrid this season, but those should be forgiven considering his years of consistently outstanding performances. Currently the second most capped Spanish goalkeeper after Andoni Zubizarreta and his status as undisputed number one has contributed to Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes' failure to earn a single cap.
3. Julio Cesar (Brazil)
Emerged as Dunga’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup qualifiers and the Inter Milan stalwart has not let his coach down. He performed superbly right through the 18-match qualifying process, particularly impressive in the 1-1 draw at altitude in Ecuador and the 4-0 win over Uruguay in Montevideo. Has come back strongly from several high-profile mistakes that blighted him earlier in his career.
4. Hugo Lloris (France)
Number one for French giants Lyon, Lloris looks to have a promising career ahead of him for club and country. Boasting a long reach and superb reflexes, Lloris is capable of keeping strikers at bay when his team are firmly under the cosh. Previously at Nice, he was signed by Lyon to replace former France international Gregory Coupet. Must improve his decision-making.
5. David James (England)
Persistent injuries mean that James is not certain to be first-choice for England this summer. But when on form, the veteran Portsmouth goalkeeper remains one of the best in the business. However, throughout his career he has been guilty of high profile errors, earning himself the nickname 'Calamity James.' With Joe Hart lacking experience, Robert Green having endured an indifferent season, and a lack of alternatives, James looks the best bet to walk out for the first game.
6. Mark Schwarzer (Australia)
"Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer"
This shot-stopper appears to get better with age. Playing behind solid but far from watertight defenses for Australia and Fulham, he is often called into action and rarely lets his side down, with his reflexes remaining sharp despite his advancing years. A calming influence, Schwarzer rose to prominence after joining Middlesbrough from Bradford City in 1997.7. Tim Howard (USA)
Error prone after joining Manchester United a little too early in his career, the USA international has developed into one of the most solid goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining Everton, initially on loan, in 2006. A measure of his progress was a clean sheet against a Spanish side in the 2009 Confederations Cup who had not failed to score in a match since 2007.
8. Thomas Sorensen (Denmark)
The Dane has been on the international scene for over 10 years and has enjoyed something of a renaissance at Stoke City. After falling out of favor at Aston Villa, he joined the Potters in 2008 and has helped keep them in the Premier League for successive seasons. This will be Sorensen's second World Cup.
9. Samir Handanovic (Slovenia)
The 6ft 5in stopper is under contract with Udinese until 2012 but a strong World Cup showing could see him earn a move to a bigger club. Conceding just four goals in 10 qualifying matches, Handanovic helps form the spine of the team, with his agility and penalty-saving prowess both valuable assets.
10. Sergio Romero (Argentina)
Diego Maradona has put his faith in the young goalkeeper and he looks set to start between the posts in South Africa. The AZ Alkmaar stopper is quoted as saying that he wishes to move away from the Netherlands into one of Europe’s major leagues and a strong showing this summer will boost his chances of achieving that goal. Performed impressively at times in the Champions League this season but could not prevent his side being eliminated in the group stages.
MY 11TH LIST
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama
One of the best shot-stoppers in Africa, Vincent Enyeama has been the undisputed first choice between the posts for Nigeria
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