More Than Just a Crush

April 19th, 2011 | by: elaine | Comments Off

Anyone who knows anything about me and my football knows that I love me my keepers. My precious Abbiati has been plagued by injuries and other misfortunes throughout his career, but as statistically the best keeper in Serie A this season, the world is finally seeing him for who he has always been. Unfortunately, he has said that he will not be playing again for Italy.

Then there’s my new crush, Sirigu, who looks like he was built to be between the sticks and reads the game very well and has great reflexes, too. Put this guy behind a couple of reliable center backs, give him a little more confidence, and he’s going places. Of all the Italian keepers, I’m glad Prandelli saw fit to call him up to the National Team, we have the best backup keepers for the Azzurri right now than I can recall in recent memory.

But no one can top our number one. I love Buffon. He is worshipped around here like no other player. Having been called up to the National Team at age 17, which is almost unheard of for a keeper, it was no surprise that he has enjoyed a long and very successful career thus far for both club and country.

He is dubbed Superman, and truly this is accurate on all counts. But his build and ability to reach the unreachable also remind me of Mr. Fantastic. He is cool under pressure, he reads the game well and is seemingly more often fooled by his teammates’ deflections than anything the opponent brings to the game. He is confident, never cocky, and is fantastic at controlling his area. His teammates just know that when Buffon speaks/screams/points or whatever, that they would be wise to oblige, never questioning.

Which leads me to the point about why I love this man and it’s not just some little crush. He is a leader, plain and simple. He is commanding, demanding, and perhaps the most competitive person on the pitch. But likewise, when his team scores, no one is happier or more congratulatory. And he is jovial and kind to his teammates. When they sing the National Anthem before Italy games, he sings even louder than Gattuso, and just as off key. His passion is even bigger than him, and his teammates know that he has always got their back.

Off the pitch he typically conducts himself quietly and respectful of the jersey he wears on the pitch. In interviews and press conferences, he is not one to blame, but rather takes responsibility. He is more than just respectful to the opposing team, he often has a big hug, a joke and/or some kind words, no matter the result. In essence, he’s more diplomatic than a diplomat, kind of like if Big Bird went to work at the U.N.

His only kryptonite would be penalty kicks and injuries. Penalty kicks are a wash, some keepers excel at saving them, but even then it’s almost as much luck as skill. But injuries can take down even the most powerful giants. Losing him last year at the World Cup was as painful physically as it was mentally, he is the heart of any team he plays for in addition to being so amazing and consistent in goal.

We will see if his ultimate kryptonite affects our Euro 2012 hopes next year. He has shown some shaky performances upon returning from the big back surgery. But he has also shown that he still loves his country, and will do whatever it takes to play for the Azzurri. Which is great, because as talented as Sirigu and Viviano are, is there anyone who could ever take the place of Buffon?