However, the romance of Varas’ career – that looks set to be tested as Arsenal are rumoured to be preparing a £6m move for the Spanish ‘keeper – is a rare tale. Three examples of admirable yet sad tones typify why the #2 role can be one of disillusion, yet pivotal to the Beautiful game.
Tomasz Kuszczak has enjoyed 0 years of the first choice ‘keeper lifestyle in his 12 year professional career. He signed for West Brom when his contract at Hertha Berlin expired, having only been the reserve shot-stopper there. He then only achieved short runs as the #1 behind Russell Hoult and Chris Kirkland, but the string of performances in place of the latter earned himself a move to Manchester United where he has slipped from #2 to #4 behind since signed de Gea and Lindegaard and youth product Ben Amos. He now looks set to leave The Red Devils before his contract expires in 2012.
A career that was even less substantial was that of Alberto Jorquera. His career lasted 16 years and 15 years of it was at Barcelona; however he only played 7 games for the La Liga giants and after one season signed for another club he made his retirement aged just 31.
One man that epitomises everything splendid about all that is missing from the Beautiful Game is Steve Harper. His professional career started in 1993 when he signed for Newcastle from his local youth side. He then waited 6 years to make his first team debut for The Toon, sitting as the #2 ‘keeper behind Pavel Srnicek, Shaka Hislop and then Shay Given.
Even then he remained the #2 ‘keeper until Shay Given left Newcastle United for Manchester City. Then, at the age of 33, Harper finally became Newcastle’s #1. It just so happens that Newcastle were relegated that season and Harper remained the #1 during the Championship campaign that saw him earn the title of Best goalkeeper in the Championship following 25 clean sheets and conceding on average less than a goal a game with only 35 goals conceded all season. However, the rapid elevation of Tim Krul’s career has seen Harper replaced as #1 under Alan Pardew and Harper has just joined Brighton on loan.
No matter how disenchanting life as ‘keeper can be at times, they certainly seem the most professional, the most reliable and if Mancini wants Tevez to learn a life lesson, Costel Pantilimon could prove to be a top room-mate.
Written by Jordan Florit for www.may-cause-offence.tumblr.com/ For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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