Goalkeeper of the Year
UEFA Football Club Awards traditionally held on the eve of UEFA Super Cup, the traditional European season curtain-raising in Monaco. Voted for the head of the 16 coaches at parties, who reached the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds, in Chelsea FC Petr Čech was named the best goalkeeper in the past year
Manuel Almunia (FC Arsenal)
Almunia was not even in Arsenal № 1 at the beginning of the season, but injuries Jens Lehmann gave him in the long run, starting lineup - and how he got it. Pamplona-born goalkeeper endeared himself gunners’ supporters in December when he disowned Robbie Keane penalty spot to earn Arsenal derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur FC, and kept five clean sheets in eight UEFA Champions League appearances.
Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)
Continuing attended as Schalke finished third place in bundesligi, Neuer is central to his home club success. He acknowledged, on average, less than the goal of the game in the German top flight, but it was in the UEFA Champions League, that the teenager really came to the fore. In the first round knockout FC Porto Neuer found in fantastic form, pulling out save after save force penalty kick in which he denied Bruno Alves and Lisandro Lopez bear Schalke until the last eight.
Petr Čech (Chelsea FC)
Czech overcame another head injury to help Chelsea to mount their late surge last term. The Czech international had 50 stitches on his face after a collision with Tal Ben Haim during training in April, contributing to 22 games, he missed the entire campaign because of injuries. He was back at the season finale, however, as pushed Chelsea Manchester United FC in prime time all-league and reached the UEFA Champions League Final for the first time. Avram Grant’s side fell just short - Cheh rarely did.
Pepe Reina (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool in recent European success has been based on defence but after poor start to their campaign they went on the attack - and it was Reyna, who left to hold the fort. In 12 games before their semi-final elimination, they struck 29 targets, but Reyna propensity for adoption of key saves at crucial moments is equally important. In February, Spanish international goalkeeper was the fastest in Liverpool history to keep 50 clean sheets.
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United FC)
United in the 2007/08 campaign was providing a penalty kick two outs against Chelsea FC. August 5, 2007 Van der Sar saved all three Blues “spot-kicks to earn FA Community Shield and then, nine and a half months later, he denied Nicolas Anelka, as United were European Champions crown for the third time. Despite niggling groin injury, Dutch International was also a key as his side retain the Premier League title.
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