Artur Boruc: Roly-Poly Holy Goalie
By: Cham | December 29th, 2009For me, I feel in love with Artur Boruc a few years ago when I witnessed that great Saha penalty save against United in the Champions League group stage of 2006
It was a great save in an historic match, putting him at the top of keepers whose natural instincts you’d love to have between the sticks.
But in the few years following, it seems to be a tussle of poor on-pitch decision making, increasingly poor fitness concerns, a few injuries here and there no doubt unrelated, and all the negative press in tow.
Many Celtic fans love Artur Boruc. Many think he’s a liability.
The rumor mill has it that Tottenham Hotspur is wildly interested, though given the calamity that befell them with Juande Ramos, Heurelho Gomes and the poor start to 2008, I hasten to wonder if Spurs would honestly want the occasionally slippery footed-ness of Artur Boruc.
Having said that, the baggage that accompanies many world class keeper is here with Boruc. He doesn’t have the “go to work” mindset of Petr Cech or Edwin van Der Sar. At the same time he’s not the ever-caustic Mad Jens Lehmann.
But he is overweight and out of shape, which has spurred (pun intended?) some recent conviction and a host of new years resolutions. From the Evening Times:
Artur Boruc: No more vodka or ciggies
Speaking in a light-hearted interview in Poland, Boruc said: “I should probably stop smoking cigarettes and drinking vodka. I should also lose 20 kilograms [3st].
“My life is happy now. I feel great and I enjoy playing for Celtic.
“The most important thing in life is to be able to live peacefully and be happy and work.”
Boruc was divorced this year and the keeper expressed his sadness at the events that led to the split-up.
He said: “The most important thing is that I am enjoying life again.
“I’m divorced and I have dealt with all the issues that come with that, even though it cost me a great deal of effort.
“Now I live with my beloved girlfriend and I’m happy.”
Obviously, Boruc has a few off-pitch issues that hindered his commitment to Celtic Football Club the last two seasons. The question comes: is he serious about these life changes and about renewing his commitment to the club, or should Celtic fetch top dollar for an international who shows wanton liability alongside his ability to make great saves?
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Category: Celtic
Comments
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As good as Boruc may be, the role of a goalkeeper is obviously specialised, and on the assumption he could get back to his best the question must be asked; is he a necessity?
In a top European league he could make the difference of a few points which could prove vital for certain clubs, but considering the certainty that is Celtic/Rangers finishing 1st/2nd, a top goalkeeper is not required – at least, not opposed to an above average/good goalkeeper. When the resources available to these clubs mean it shouldn’t come down to the saves Boruc may make in certain games, any income could be better spent on outfield players and a lower wage goalkeeper.
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