That’s especially vital for goalkeepers as when outfield player doesn’t use his chance fans switch to the following episode immediately, but keeper’s mistake or fabulous save can define the outcome of football match. It’s difficult to overestimate roles Tim Howard and Olexandr Shovkovskyi play for their teams.
Nowhere without Tim
In summer of 2006 Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard joined Everton FC on a loan basis, which was initiated by the Toffees’ manager David Moyes. The newcomer fit in so well that in a year he signed a four-year contract with the club.
On August 20 2012 Howard set a new Premier League record as he made 184 appearances for the same team in a row.
After that the Toffees direction signed several new contracts with the goalkeeper. Last time that happened in April of 2014. Howard will perform for Everton till 2018. Tim has already played 377 matches for Liverpool side.
This season Everton goalkeeper has conceded 35 goals in 22 domestic league games and four in seven Europa League fixtures.
The Toffees’ manager Roberto Martinez has stated: “I can’t imagine our defense without Tim. He gives his teammates confidence”.
Second youth of Dynamo legend
Olexandr Shovkovskyi is intellect, honour and conscience of our team. He’s dedicated his whole career to FC Dynamo Kyiv. The White-Blues president Ihor Surkis has mentioned that Olexandr will play as long as it’s possible.
As Shovkovskyi took the field in the Europa League home fixture against Rio Ave FC he made his 582nd appearance for Kyivans and thus set a new record of the club. The previous one belonged to Oleh Blokhin.
Being 40 Olexandr Shovkovskyi is a true leader of the team. He’s sure that every game of such club as Dynamo is important: “We have a certain reputation, so we can’t play anyhow. That’s how I accept football. Maybe that’s why I keep playing and setting ambitious goals. I think it’s all about psychology. Some think they are veterans at the age of thirty while others feel young when they are forty”.
Current season proves our captain’s words. He’s conceded only six goals in 11 UPL matches and only two in five Europa League fixtures.
If both Tim Howard and Olexandr Shovkovskyi take the field their duel will be come the highlight of the forthcoming game as none of these experienced masters knows the word “defeat”.
Oleh Zadernovskyi
* collage by Bohdan Iliuk
Copyright © 2015 FC Dynamo Kyiv
