Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has backed Manchester City’s Joe Hart to become one of the world’s top glovemen.
Speaking ahead of next month’s World Cup in Brazil, the 2008 Champions League winner feels the England keeper has overcome his dodgy spell and is ready to challenge the world’s best shot stoppers.
Van der Sar, a two-time winner of the European goalkeeper of the year award, believes Hart has learnt a great lesson after being dropped at the beginning of the season and his performances in the second half of the year have proven that.
“I think sometimes it is not bad to have a period that making mistakes,” he told Laureus.
“It helps to bring back your focus and desire.
“Of course I made mistakes also and everybody makes mistake but you need to learn from them.”
The Dutchman is hoping that England’s number one won’t struggle under the pressure of the nation at the World Cup and that England’s young players get their chance in Brazil.
“It’s not easy for a young English player to come through at club level because all clubs can buy a £20m or £30m player.
“I work at Ajax and our emphasis is to bring young players through so it’s good to see and hopefully it’s going to work for England.
Van der Sar is also tipping his former United teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, to star in Brazil but believes the hosts will come out on top in the final on July 13.
“I think it’s fair to say that Ronnie could well be top scorer of the tournament.
“Brazil are clear favourites because of the weather, the humidity and the expectation of the people.
“It will be hard for a European team so I think Brazil will win for the sixth time.”
Van der Sar is an ambassador for Laureus who help millions of children worldwide through sport, for more information visit: www.laureus.com.
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