With a host of attacking flare set to go head-to-head when City take on Perth at nib Stadium on Saturday night, we take a look at the key numbers between the two players who will be out to stop the opposition’s attackers, shot-stoppers Eugene Galekovic and Liam Reddy.
Eugene Galekovic and Liam Reddy have both had strong starts to the new campaign. After seven matches, both shot-stoppers have played influential roles for their respective teams, with their saves often going unnoticed behind the spectacular finishes from their teammates in the attacking third.
So far this season, the two 37-year-old’s have demonstrated the importance of both their goalkeeping abilities and their on-field experience. Both vocal at the back, their on-field leadership provides guidance to the teammates standing before them.
City goalkeeper Galekovic set the tone in Round 1, with a brilliant performance against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory. Since then, the experienced keeper has continued his strong run of form.
With Head Coach Warren Joyce’s side coming off a comprehensive 3-0 win over Newcastle Jets, which included two incredible solo strikes, it’s easy to forget just how important Galekovic was.
The City gloveman made three crucial saves, which included getting a hand to Jason Hoffman’s close-range effort to deny the Jets a certain goal – a performance and save that reaped praise from the gaffer following the match, who also praised the shot-stopper’s overall professionalism and commitment to the cause.
While for the top-of-the-table Glory, Liam Reddy has been just as influential, playing a key role in his side’s current run of form.
In terms of the key numbers this season, they suggest that both players have been equally as important. In six games played, both Galekovic and Reddy have conceded seven goals. During that time Galekovic has made 15 saves and Reddy 13, while the City shot-stopper has also claimed two catches, one more than his Glory counterpart. When it comes to punches, both keepers have made three.
In terms of their defensive work, both goalkeepers have demonstrated their ability to read the play ahead of them, with Galekovic making five clearances and Reddy four, while the latter has also made one tackle. Reddy has been fouled on three occasions and received one yellow card.
With both veterans in red-hot form, there is no doubt that they both have the ability to be the match-winner on Saturday night.
City will look to record back-to-back wins when they take on Perth Glory at nib Stadium, before they travel to Coopers Stadium in Round 8 to play the Reds and then return to Melbourne to host Melbourne Victory in the annual Christmas Derby on Saturday 22 December.
