Never touted as one who played the game fairly, Germany and Bayern Munich shotstopper Oliver Kahn has had a glittering career till 2008 when he retired in India.
The baby faced goalkeeper was a competitive professional and is one of the most decorated players in the Bayern history books. Let us have a look at 5 of his top saves in goal.
5. Hamburg vs Bayern Munich, 2001-02 Bundesliga
Argentine Fernato Romeo must have thought he had scored when he shot at goal a wonderful curler after having received a brilliant through pass from the backline.
However, Kahn was on call as he flew to his weaker left side to deny the striker his first goal of the match. Too good to match!
4. Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich, 2003-04 Bundesliga
Former Germany teammate Oliver Neuville knew exactly what Kahn was made of when he parried his sweet volley on goal in a Bundesliga game between Leverkeusen and Bayern.
The volley came off a corner and poor clearance from the Bayern defenders before Neuville caught it sweetly to smash home. Only just!
3. FC Köln vs Bayern Munich, 2007-08 Bundesliga
At 39 years of age and playing his last season for the German giants, Kahn was still agile and sharp as ever as he saved at point blank from a Koln striker away at Koln in the Bundesliga game between the sides.
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The 2002 Goalkeeper of the Year always possessed stunning reflexes but this was another level altogether.
2. VFL Bochum vs Bayern Munich, 2003-04 Bundesliga
If Manuel Neuer is the best sweeper keeper you’ve seen so far, you need to watch Oliver Kahn’s clearance against Bochum in the league game in 2003.
Never afraid to join the play, Kahn made sure a high press counter-attack came to nothing as he came 35 yards out of his goal to meet the ball and denied the striker any chance of even a shot at goal.
1. Bayern Munich vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 2007-08 Bundesliga
The best save he’s made ever, Oliver Kahn was sent the wrong way by the run of play in a tremendous counter-attack by Leverkeusen and the shot was blocked with his feet which he still had the power to control despite his body moving away from the ball.
The ball hit his feet, then the post and stayed out, rounding off a wonderful save.