Nivea Player Profiles: Asmir Begovic

Not only did Asmir Begovic become Stoke City’s joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League last weekend, the goalkeeper joined a select band of shot-stoppers to find the net.

Stoke haven’t exactly being firing on all cylinders this season in front of goal, so the Bosnian keeper took matters into his own hands against Southampton. After just 12 seconds. His long punt was carried by the wind to leave his opposite number Artur Boruc with a colossal amount of egg on his face as the ball bounced over his head, with Begovic himself looking almost embarrassed, perhaps feeling a degree of sympathy for Boruc. Begovic was gracious after the game, delivered in his distinct accent. Born in Bosnia, his family fled the warn-torn country when he was four, moving to Germany where he had his first introduction to organised football. He later moved to Canada, back to Germany and finally to Portsmouth where he signed a youth contract in 2003. After making his debut for Pompey in 2009, he quickly became a sought after player, especially in light of the club’s financial difficulties. Tottenham were keen, but he chose Stoke for £3.5 million, though Portsmouth were forced to pay Spurs £1 million over the aborted transfer as the club had already paid a first instalment. Begovic has made more than 100 appearances for the Potters and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the league and revealed he looked set to move to Manchester City before Roberto Mancini got the sack and a move to a bigger side would hardly come as a major surprise given his level of performance over the past three years. Here are the other goalkeepers to have found the net in the Premier League.

Peter Schmeichel, Aston Villa v Everton, 2001

The Great Dane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNHfclJ6rtM

Brad Friedel, Charlton v Blackburn, 2004

A late equaliser, but the Addicks grabbed an even later winner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGkxvL65Tt4

Paul Robinson, Tottenham v Watford, 2007

Shades of the Begovic’s about this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB2Q7aUYdQs

Tim Howard, Everton v Bolton, 2012

Poor old Adam Bogdan was making just his fifth appearance. Good thing Bolton grabbed an unlikey 2-1 win. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omO1PQehOUc