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Published on 2024-02-07 11:30:00
Gael Clichy, a former Manchester City player, publicly expressed his belief that the Premier League had not seen a better traditional goalkeeper than Joe Hart over the past few years.
Hart, who is currently the number one goalkeeper at Celtic, was City’s starting keeper from the 2010/2011 to the 2015/2016 season.
However, his situation changed with the arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, leading to Hart being sent out on loan to Torino and West Ham United the following season, before eventually being sold to Burnley in 2018.
Describing Hart, Clichy praised his excellent shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the box, and leadership qualities, which made him a fan favorite during his time at the club.
“He wasn’t so blessed in terms of playing out from the back, but in terms of pure goalkeeping skills, I don’t think I’ve played with a better goalkeeper and I don’t think we’ve seen a better goalkeeper in England over the past few years”, he said on Premier League Productions’ Final Word show.
“He’s still playing in Scotland and what a player he is. A great lad, a great leader, amazing.”
Throughout his tenure at Manchester City, Hart played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing to two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and two Carabao Cup trophies, while also winning four successive Golden Gloves.
While training and playing alongside Hart at Manchester City, Clichy spoke highly of the English goalkeeper’s outstanding skills, emphasizing that despite not being as proficient in playing out from the back, Hart’s pure goalkeeping abilities made him one of the best goalkeepers he’s played with and in the Premier League for the past few years.
Reflecting on Hart’s career, it is evident that he is seldom discussed in the same light now, especially following Guardiola’s decision to send him out on loan.
Despite the downturn in his career after leaving City, Hart’s consistent brilliance and contributions during his six-year stint at the club should not be overlooked.
Hart’s presence as a traditional goalkeeper added immense value to the team during a time when ball-playing goalkeepers were less common in football.
Clichy’s remarks testify to Hart’s remarkable contribution on the pitch, emphasizing his stand-out performances and unwavering commitment to Manchester City’s success.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
