When the question of “who is the world’s best goalkeeper?” arises, Bayern Munich shotstopper Manuel Neuer is the first player that comes to mind. However, if you delve further in the world of analysis, it is quite clear to see that Manchester City’s beloved Joe Hart is one of the prime candidates for the accolade.
Joe Hart’s resurgence of form has been the biggest lift to Manchester City’s side since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008. The England international practically carried Manuel Pellegrini’s men through the second half of last season. Although they did not win the title, the Citizens ended the season very strongly – winning their final six matches and conceding just five times in the process.
While others will argue that Pantilimon’s short-lived displacement of Hart from the starting line-up at the Etihad means that England’s number one cannot possibly be shortlisted for the prize, the cliched phrase surfaces again: “Form is temporary, class is permanent.” No goalkeeper is perfect, they all make mistakes (including Hart), but the former Birmingham City loanee’s rejuvenated form has shown that he has the characteristics to be the world’s best.
Whenever the subject of Hart’s qualities is spoken about, the 28-year-old’s European performances against Borussia Dortmund and Catalan giants Barcelona come to mind but the England international has also had notable displays that haven’t been as well publicised as those two – the most recent Manchester derby and this season’s Champions League group stage clash with Borussia Monchengladbach. One match-winning performance from Hart that has been noticed this season is Saturday’s narrow victory over managerless Swansea City. Forced into multiple saves during the second half, Hart prevented the Blues from suffering an embarrassing defeat.
The aforementioned Neuer often racks up a huge amount of clean sheets throughout the season – most seasons more than Hart – but take a look at the defence that the German has in front of him. Lahm, Benatia, Boateng and Rafinha (the back four vs Borussia Monchengladbach) The weak link that you could pick out from those four is clearly Rafinha but, with Phillip Lahm and/or Xabi Alonso protecting the full-back, that position remains as strong as ever. Compare that to City’s (the back four vs Manchester United) – Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi and Kolarov – and it’s immediately clear which side has the better defence.
Then you compare the goals conceded and saves made for both teams. This season, in the Premier League and Bundesliga respectively, both goalkeepers hold good records but one comes out on top. Despite playing two games fewer than Neuer, Hart has made nine more saves (27) that the German number one (18). With the amount of matches taken into consideration, saves per match show Hart’s dominance in this stat. The Citizens’ keeper boasts 1.93 saves per game, compared to Neuer’s 1.13.
Trophy-wise, Neuer is certainly more decorated, but the former Schalke goalkeeper is often more of a hindrance than a help to the Bundesliga champions. His impulse decision making, when faced with a one-on-one, is truly woeful. He often runs out of his 18-yard box and, nine times out of 10, allows the opposition an unnecessary shot on goal. Neuer is a liability – unlike Hart. The Shrewsbury-born shotstopper appears to perform better under pressure. Whenever it looks inevitable for the opposing side to score, England’s number one pulls it out of the bag and produces a phenomenal save to deny them. For example, Chris Smalling’s bullet header in the latter stages of the clash between the two Manchester clubs in October. His compatriot looked certain to snatch the three points for the Red Devils, but Hart did what he is paid to do and prevented the ball from crossing the line.
Perhaps the most important statistic, saves per goal, should also be considered before coming to a conclusion. However, Hart also wins this category too with an impressive 2.45 saves between each goal that he concedes. This narrowly beats Neuer’s 2.25, but a win is a win.
As the facts add up to support my argument that Hart is the world’s leading goalkeeper, the fruition of the statement becomes more apparent. Perhaps Hart isn’t quite the best goalkeeper across the globe – yet. But mark my words, the next few years will see City possess a crucial asset to their progress and Hart will, eventually, gain his deserved recognition for his contribution to the club.
