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Top Goalkeepers who became understudy in the Elite Clubs

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A few top goalkeepers were unable to be the first choice while joining the elite sides and forced to be the understudy.

The top goalkeepers with established roles in the previous clubs or in the national team would certainly expect the same status when they decided to switch sides to the top sides. Unfortunately, such is never easy. Signing for the elite team might be tempting to add silverware to their collection. Yet, lifting trophies without playing regularly would not be ideal.

Barcelona’s new signing, Wojciech Szczesny, might be one recent example of such. The former Poland international joined the Catalan side following Marc Ter Stegen’s long-term injury. Fans would hope to see the former Arsenal and Juventus man in action between the sticks. Yet, his status might not change after Ter Stegen’s understudy, Inaki Pena’s top form in the first El Clasico this season. He was able to keep a clean sheet and make crucial saves to keep Real Madrid’s stars at bay. Szczcesny is likely to wait longer for his debut with the Catalan giant.

The 34-year-old goalie is not the first to experience such. There have been other well-known shot stoppers who used to be in the same circumstance. Here are those unfortunate figures.

Jens Lehmann (AC Milan 1998/99)

The former Arsenal goalkeeper rose to prominence in the mid-1990s as he became the key figure in Schalke’s unlikely success in snatching the 1997 UEFA Cup. Lehmann contributed heavily in the final, when they beat Inter Milan on penalties. The German managed to frustrate Nerazzurri, as he was able to only concede one goal in the second leg. He also saved their penalties in the shootout. As a result, he was included in Germany's final squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. 

Lehmann, aged 29 at that time, opted to switch sides to AC Milan after the tournament. At first, things went well as he featured in the first two matches until the nightmare came while Rossonerri faced off Gabriel Batistuta’s Fiorentina. He conceded by the Argentine star’s hattrick as his team were hammered 3-1. Although his form improved while beating Venezia on the road in the following week, Lehmann was eventually sidelined due to his average poor display. The former German shotstopper soon left San Siro to sign for Dortmund after only a year in Italy.

Appearances

Clean sheets

Notable matches

6

2

Venezia vs AC Milan 0-2

(made four clinical saves)

 Victor Valdes (Manchester United 2014-2016)

The former Barcelona goalie during their golden era in the 2000s signed for Manchester United in January 2015 following his injury and failed move to AS Monaco in summer 2014. He had won three UCL and five La Liga with the Catalan giant, making him the most successful La Masia goalkeeper who had been the first choice in the senior sides.

Unfortunately, his move to Old Trafford did not work out as expected as he mainly became David de Gea’s understudy. Valdes, aged 32, at that time, only made two appearances in total with the first team! He was even already put on the transfer list and not given the squad number after the former Barcelona man refused to play with the reserve team.

After being frozen out of the squad for almost six months, he was loaned out to Belgium’s Standard Liege in January 2016 and helped them snatch Belgian Cup before he was released by United and joined Middleborough in summer 2016. Valdes stayed in Riverside till 2018, when he decided to retire.

Appearances

Clean sheets

Notable matches

5

(3 with reserve team)

1

Hull City vs Manchester United 0-0 (2014/15)(made two clinical saves)

Rustu Recber (Barcelona 2003/04) 

He was one of the star in 2002 FIFA World Cup as he helped Turkey reach semifinal, their best result to date. Recber was able to keep the clean sheets in three games during the competition and almost frustrated the eventual champion, Brazil, before Ronaldo Luiz broke the deadlock with his wonder goal.

In 2003, the former Turkish international was on the verge of moving to Arsenal but it did not materialize as he was offended when Arsene Wenger questioned his fitness. He then chose to sign for Barcelona instead after holding the talk with Barcelona president, Joan Laporta. The chance to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world was too good to turn down.

Sadly, his stint in Camp Nou was not memorable at all. Rustu’s inability to speak Spanish cost him the first choice spot. His boss, Frank Rijkaard preferred to count on the young Victor Valdes between the sticks till he cemented his place for years. Such meant the end of his time in Spain. The then 30-year-old goalie eventually returned to his former side, Fenerbahce and never played abroad again.

Appearances

Clean sheets

Notable matches

7

 

3

 

Barcelona vs Celta Vigo 1-1

(made four clinical saves but also one crucial error leading to conceding at the first half)

 


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