But it also gives me some reason to put some attention on our goalkeeper. As if he weren’t getting enough of that already anyways …

René Adler. Who is that? Some one and a half years ago, most people would’ve looked at you and flipped you the bird. Well, ‘cept for the insiders and the screaming fangirls of course. Then came Schalke, his brilliant saves against Stuttgart with even Timo Hildebrand in awe and admiration, and that was that.

It’s quite obvious to everyone who dares to look behind his smiles and confidence which he displays in interviews that he’s extremely ambitious. He’s got a quick and hot temper which rivals that of Olli Kahn … Stop. Rewind that. Olli Kahn? Yupp, you read that right. Elbow-check against Sofian Chahed (which he should’ve gotten red-carded for)? Choking Andrej Voronin? Lifting Arturo Vidal up and shaking him? Yes, that is the other René Adler. The new titan, as some folks like to call him.

I could give you statistics. I could give you stuff that he said in interviews. I could do that. But that won’t give you an inkling of what that man is. For that? You have to look on the pitch. His passion, his ambition, his instincts … That’s what makes him what he is – the favourite for the position between Germany’s goalposts. Making that impossible save against Maik Franz; appearing out of nowhere against Roberto Hilbert when he was already beaten; going where it hurts.

Will he be able to do it? Most likely. Will he make it? Good question. Fact is. He is one of the best goal keepers in Germany and if he stays injury free during the season (okay, if he will take care of himself since that’s something he usually doesn’t do) … he is a candidate. There are other ones to consider, like Manuel Neuer, Michael Rensing, and – of course! – Robert Enke and Timo Hildebrand. But if the brat continues to do what we have come to expect from him? There won’t be any way around him. Seriously.

Cheers everyone & have a nice weekend!