Unsung hero

Alex Manninger has a tough challenge - to replace the injured Gianluigi Buffon in defending Juve's goal. For the past few months, he has been doing this job admirably well, conceding few goals, and keeping out the opponents' shots without much ado. In the meantime, all the media ever mention is Buffon, and when he will return from his injury, as if Juve are struggling in his absence. All the while, Juve are doing very well, thank you, also thanks to Manninger's quiet and efficient goalkeeping.

It's tough, being reserve goalkeeper. You have to replace someone who's widely considered to be better than you, and try as much as possible to defend your team's goal as well as him. You are expected to be ready at 100% of your (presumed limited) ability while being called to start playing in mid-season. Your fans and teammates will be worried that you might not be up to the job, and you have to be extremely careful unless, God forbid, you make any silly mistakes... All this with the full knowledge that, once the first choice goalkeeper is available once again, you will go back to the bench to be forgotten again. And even if you're doing a splendid job while the much more famous number one is simply playing the celebrity all over the media, hardly anyone says a word of appreciation or recognition of your good work. They can hardly wait for the return of the star. In Maltese, we say "taż-żejjed u n-nieqes". Now how on earth could anyone translate that?

This fan does recognise Manninger's considerable contribution to Juve's fortunes. If Juve were to win a competition this year, it would be thanks in no small measure to Alex Manninger, and I hope the millions of bianconeri fans in Italy and elsewhere will realise this. GRAZIE, MANNINGER!