Pepe Reina can keep Napoli secure
The Spaniard is the goalkeeper with the fewest saves in the league (22) and before AdemLjajic’s goal during yesterday’s San Paolo clash, the 33-year-old had not conceded a goal in 534 minutes.
After that Ljajic reopened the game, Inter have push forward in search of the equalizer, but Stevan Jovetic hit the woodwork, while Reina made a terrific save on Joao Miranda’s short range header a few moments afterwards.
After the Inter showdown, Reina is also the less beaten goalkeeper in Serie A alongside Nerazzurri’s Samir Handanovic with 9 goals conceded each, although the Slovenia International has kept one more clean sheet than the Spaniard.
No dispute that under Maurizio Sarri, Napoli have recovered the defensive solidity lost during Rafa Benitez’s reign at the Stadio San Paolo. Despite Raul Albiol and Khalidou Khoulibaly’s stunning performances in the heart of the Partenopei’s defense, Reina has recorded an amazing saves to shot ratio of 71%.
Also during his one year spell at the Allianz Arena, Reina has never burned bridges with Napoli, so much so he was frequently spotted in the city having dinner alongside his former team-mates and friends.
Reina’s leadership inside the Azzurri’s dressing room is another key factor of his success at the club as he can be considered the most experienced player together with former Real Madrid front-man Gonzalo Higuain.
When Aurelio De Laurentiis, knew that the player wanted to leave Bayern Munich he didn’t hesitate to offer the Spaniard a contract worth € 2 million a year satisfying the 33-year-old financial requests.
Will the Spaniard’s miraculous saves help Napoli to snatch their first Serie A title in 25 years time?
