3) Michael McGovern
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The single biggest reason Northern Ireland have made it thus far in the tournament is down to the Ulsterman’s series of heroic saves, many of them from point-blank range, keeping their all-important goal difference intact. His shot stopping abilities and speed off the line in danger situations, especially one-on-ones has been first class.
Against the Germans at the Parc de Princes, McGovern produced his finest career performance as attempt after attempt was thwarted. The Northern Irish keeper, now a free agent, remained unfazed through the Germans’ high pressing tempo, denying Muller and Gotze with incredible saves when it looked almost certain for the ball to find the back of the net.
Against the likes of Bale and Ramsey too, McGovern will have to repeat his heroics and maybe even go a step better if Northern Ireland are to harbour any hopes of securing a historic first quarterfinal berth.
