Top 5 outfielders who became goalkeepers

There are many young, emerging football players who commenced their careers as outfielders. Goalkeepers are the only players who, as we know, can make use of their hands or arms to handle the ball. This, however, is not applicable for the outfielders, i.e., the non-goalkeepers, who in fact, if found to be making use of hands or arms can be subjected to a penalty.

However, it has been evident many a times, with many of our favorite players that with the display of their abilities and on-field skills, many have gradually played their invincible role as goalkeepers, probably in a better way than the existing goalkeepers did. Those reading this will surely agree with us when we say that there is a pool of few goalkeepers out there who exhibit the talent of efficient technical dexterity along with unparalleled distribution prowess.

We have researched and come up with some of the outfielders who in the later stage of their career became goalkeepers. Not only their prior experience with the ball helped them in this journey, but also their sheer dedication has, time and again, proved them to be efficient in goalkeeping. Take a look at some of the adroit goalkeepers who initiated their careers far away from the goal-keeping posts, and have in following matches done justice to this goalkeeping position.

#5 Pinto

Famously known as Lionel Messi’s best mate, Jose Manuel Pinto Colorado was undoubtedly the pivotal team member of Barcelona, one of the greatest and loved team in football.

Making his debut as a defensive midfielder through the Real Betis club, he moved ahead with his La Liga entree during the period 1997-1998. In his subsequent matches in Barcelona, he has served as the second number to Victor Valdes over a period of 7 years, i.e., from 2007 to 2014. Irrespective of somehow finding himself in trifle in Barcelona, his sleek goalkeeping skills have come handy in various important matches, especially in the match against Real Madrid.

Although he has received improper disciplinary conduct against F.C. Copenhagen, suspension for two games, and dismissal from the referee in final against Real Marid, he has unequivocally been crucial in his team’s progress towards final. One can never argue with this fact!

#4 Pepe Reina

We know, some may argue that this goalkeeper's short height may not make him a stupefying goalkeeper, but haven't we witnessed his funny, easy-to-go nature and the superb collaboration of the ball with his feet?

Initially starting his career by playing up front, he gradually moved into goalkeeping position. Do not mistake him for the goalkeepers who easily horrify their opponents with their stern looks and actions, because he has always kept his composure and is fun to be around. Barcelona youth team is the one with whom he launched his career and made his La Liga debut.

We all know his insistent role in making Liverpool achieve success in the finals, with his fast reflexes, ball composure with his feet, and excellent quality show. Now, being a part of Napoli, we are sure the Liverpool team misses him a lot.

AC Milan v Manchester United - International Champions Cup 2018

#3 Joe Hart

Charles Joseph John Hart played initially as a striker and afterwards moved to Manchester City where his role is that of a goalkeeper.

Being a goalkeeper for the Manchester City and the English national team, we know the number of Premier League teams who have approached him numerous times. Irrespective of this, he enjoys his unrestricted fame as the number one in England and the two time champion of Premier League.

Although he spent a part of his career with Tranmere Rovers and Blackpool on loan, he has been looking for a permanent growth and is thus all set to witness his career prospering in Europe in this summer.

Chelsea v West Ham United - Premier League

#2 Peter Schmeichel

Talking about this man’s physique, i.e., a height of 1.91 m and weight of 100 kg, makes it all the more important to peek into Schmeichel’s football career.

We have come across various instances when this vehement player charged a series of extremely loud and bounteous accusations towards his fellow defenders. Who knows how mad he gets!! Regardless of this behaviour, his team Manchester United has won UEFA Euro 1992, has completed the Treble, all while Schmeichel captained the team United.

Although a goalkeeper by position, he is known for 10 outstanding goals throughout his career. The national team has been captained by this player in 30 matches. Named among the top 10 keepers of the 20th century and instilled in the Football of Fame, is something that he has earned because of his distinguished performance.

#1 John O’Shea

Yes, we know that John O'Shea doesn't play professionally as a goalkeeper, yet he has done just to this position a lot many times.

Basically, a defender, he is praised for his ambidexterity in playing various positions, be it any side of the pitch or the center, or that of a goalkeeper. Establishing his career in the Manchester United team, O'Shea has owned 14 trophies, 5 titles of Premier League, 2 Football League trophies, and many more.

His goalkeeping skills have been demonstrated in many situations due to some injury or other underlying conditions with the current goalkeeper. One such situation was when his team Manchester United played a league game against Tottenham Hotspur, where he substituted Edwin van der Sar who suffered a broken nose. How can the United fans forget the way he saved the goal of Robbie Keane within few minutes of full-time? The title “Ireland’s number one” given to him by his fans surely does justice!

Republic of Ireland v The United States - International Friendly

Edited by Moderator -PJ