Manchester City midfielder James Milner has hit back at criticism of under-fire goalkeeper Joe hart and claimed that the shot-stopper is just a ‘victim of his own success’.
Two seasons ago Hart was part of City’s Premier League winning side and, after claiming the Golden Gloves award, was heralded as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers.
Despite the stellar performances a series of high profile mistakes in big games during last season has led to widespread criticism of the England star.
However, Hart’s City and England teammate believes that the critics have got it wrong.
“He’s a victim of his own success because of how good he’s been and how quickly he’s becomes England’s No1 and playing for Manchester City,” Milner said.
“People said he had a poorer season last season but he won the Golden Glove.”
Hart will be between the sticks for England as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign and he will be hoping to avoid a repeat of his last outing in an England shirt against Scotland where a blunder cost his side a goal.
Milner believes that, despite the mistakes, Hart remains unaffected.
“He knows what comes with being England No1. With Manchester City and England you get to the top and you’re there to be shot down,” Milner said.
“People talk less about the good things you do because they’re expected and more about the mistakes you make.
“He’s mentally strong enough to deal with that, that’s not a problem but we’re all human beings and if the players around him can give him a gee-up, even if he doesn’t need it, that will help.”
While Hart’s mistakes are well publicized Milner cited Hart’s outstanding performance for City against Borussia Dortmund in last season’s Champions League as evidence that the goalkeeper’s show-stopping saves have often gone unnoticed.
“The Dortmund game stands out. We could have lost that game 8-1 very easily and that’s not exaggerating,” he said.
“It was one goalkeeping performances I’ve ever seen. Today in training, I know it’s only training but you can see he’s not struggling for form or confidence, it’s [just]mistakes.
“If Joe makes a mistake it’s going to end up in the back of net. That’s the unfortunate thing about being a goalkeeper. He’s a top keeper and we’re lucky to have him.”
Image courtesy of ITV Sport via YouTube, with thanks.
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