Manchester City goalkeeping coach Massimo Battara is seemingly in complete agreement with Roberto Mancini when it comes to Shay Given. The former Newcastle United goalkeeper was recently compared to the world’s greatest goalkeepers, a comparison that according to Mancini does not flatter the Premier League veteran, and Battara intimates Given’s recent performances vindicates the acclaim.
Given was signed by Manchester City in January last year and he has arguably been the club’s best player this season. City’s coaching staff obviously thinks so as they rate the keeper alongside Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon and Inter Milan’s Julio Cesar.
Manchester City’s goalkeeping coach told the club’s official website: "I agree with Roberto, and have thought the same myself for some time,”
“Shay shows just how good he is in every match and I think he is alongside keepers as good as Julio Cesar or Gianluigi Buffon.”
“But he is still happy to learn, since coming to City I have tried to help him with my experience and Shay is a good listener.”
“You have to make important decisions as a goalkeeper and Shay usually makes the right ones.”
“Shay is like a wall! He is in the right place at the right time, but he can change direction very quickly, and he talks to his defensive line all the time.”
"With all his experience from playing internationals, he is an excellent example of how a goalkeeper should be."
The City coach concluded: "He also sets a great example for the rest of the team, and it's important that they know they can rely on him.”
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