Joe Hart has been named in the Top 5 saves chart for goalkeepers in the Europa League this season. The big Englishman is third in the listing behind Cezary Miszta and Lukas Hradecky, who coincidentally plays for group rivals Bayer Leverkusen and was sensational at Celtic Park back in matchday two.
Joe Hart of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League group G match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on October 19, 2021. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Ironically, the chart’s five is made up of three goalkeepers within the same Europa League group. Hart and Hradecky are joined by Ferencvaros stopper, Dénes Dibusz who is on 16 saves in fourth place. Hradecky is in second place with 19, with our man Joe Hart in third with 18 saves so far this campaign.
Hart has been nothing short of a revelation since his entrance into the sticks for Celtic. Considering his paltry £1 million price-tag from Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic looked to have pulled a stroke of genius by singing the former England international. The player has had a terrible time of it in recent years leading a somewhat nomadic career.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Moussa Diaby of Bayer 04 Leverkusen shoots whilst under pressure from Joe Hart of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League group G match between Celtic FC and Bayer Leverkusen at Celtic Park on September 30, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
That seems to be behind him now as he looks to put down roots somewhere, with Celtic Park looking like just the place where he can do it and likewise enjoy his football again. The Celtic Family have taken to Joe, just as much as they him. The future certainly looks a lot brighter with an assured presence and leader at the back conducting the defence.
Giorgos Giakoumakis of Celtic iat full time during the Europa League group G match between Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
These recent stats are a testament to how much Joe has worked to help turn his career around. We’re just delighted Celtic are the team to reap the benefits of this turnaround.
Which keeper has impressed you most? 🧤#UEL pic.twitter.com/MpX7zG3w6H
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 12, 2021
Paul Gillespie
