Thursday, April 10, 2008

Team of the year: goalkeeper

SPL: ALLAN MCGREGOR (Rangers)
honourable mentions: Artur Boruc (Celtic), Graeme Smith (Motherwell)

The first position, and it's possibly the toughest. McGregor or Boruc? So little to choose between them - both have been outstanding this year, but neither have been flawless. However, McGregor has conceded fewer goals per game and kept more clean sheets, though he did have a much better defence in front of him. And he has come on leaps and bounds over the last twelve months. If nothing else, that performance against Werder Bremen will be remembered for many moons. So, therefore Allan McGregor gets the nod.

EPL: DAVID JAMES (Portsmouth)
honourable mentions: Tim Howard (Everton), Chris Kirkland (Wigan)

It's rather easier choice when you look down south! In his twilight years, James is a better goalkeeper than ever, mainly because he has stopped making so many blunders. The number of times this season that Pompey have held on to narrow leads because of his saves is staggering. In a year where the big four have all played keepers who either have had lots of injury problems (Cech), are past their best (Van Der Sar) or are simply rubbish (Almunia, plus Jose Reina whenever it's a big game), James is the obvious winner.

L.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Correct on both counts.