He just tried to get it in the net and they won the shootout. That's it," Hart said. Pirlo's recent release of his autobiography revealed he only decided to chip Hart at the last minute, given the Englishman's frenzied tactics in the shootout.
And then he moved and my mind was made up. It was all impromptu, not premeditated. There was absolutely no showboating about it - that's not my style. He returned to England the following year and was loaned out again, this time to West Ham. It proved to be the case later in the season with Hart being dropped to the bench for 15 straight matches. An ensuing transfer to Burnley was another painful experience for the goalkeeper who made only 24 appearances in two seasons for the Clarets.
One thing is for sure: there will not be any chest pumps or loud swearing to fire up his teammates before games anymore. The damage has already been done, and it is unlikely that the former England number one will ever recover. Hart has never been, and is still not a bad goalkeeper; but perhaps his strengths were overly praised at times. On a few occasions, Hart would fail to make routine saves, but would escape criticism by making a few world-class ones. However, his stymied confidence exposed weaknesses that were masked on other occasions by his commanding and arrogant personality.
In six seasons prior to the European Championships in , Hart conceded on average 0. After some woeful performances in the tournament, his goals conceded per 90 ratio increased to 2. During his time at Manchester City, Hart was protected by solid defenders, which also explains the differences in numbers. Finally, we can take a look at the saves per goal and saves per 90 metrics.
That season, Hart averaged 4. These numbers can look slightly contradictory given that, to the naked eye, Hart does not look anywhere near as assured as he once was.
Although he will never regain the England number one shirt, Hart can still be a valuable asset to the majority of lower profile clubs. Up Next. Education: University of Central Lancashire, B. Hons Sports Studies. A football lover from the Baltic states who is passionate about the tactical side of the beautiful game, Paulius has done multiple physical education internships between and Contact: info dkoding.
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