Sporting legends : Peter Shilton- Career HLs & video of England star goalkeeper

 

Peter Shilton is a retired English footballer renowned for his impressive career as a goalkeeper. Born on September 18, 1949, in Leicester, England, Shilton is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. His long and distinguished career spanned over three decades, during which he became celebrated for his consistency, shot-stopping ability, and leadership on the field.

**Style of Play**

Peter Shilton was known for his commanding presence in the goal. His style of play was characterized by:

- **Shot-Stopping Ability**: Shilton had exceptional reflexes and agility, allowing him to make crucial saves. His ability to stop both powerful and placed shots was a hallmark of his game.

  

- **Aerial Dominance**: He was proficient at dealing with crosses and corners, using his height (6'1") and leaping ability to dominate the aerial battle.

- **Distribution**: Shilton was adept at distributing the ball quickly and accurately, either through strong goal kicks or precise throws, aiding his team’s counter-attacks.

- **Commanding Presence**: He had a strong sense of positioning and command of his area, which helped him organize the defense and maintain a solid defensive shape.

**Career Highlights**

**Club Level Success**

1. **Leicester City (1964-1970)**:

   - Shilton began his professional career with Leicester City, where he made a significant impact as a young goalkeeper. He played in the club’s FA Cup-winning team in 1969.

2. **Stoke City (1970-1974)**:

   - Shilton continued to develop his reputation with Stoke City, showcasing his talents in the top flight of English football. 

3. **Nottingham Forest (1977-1982)**:

   - Arguably the pinnacle of Shilton’s club career came at Nottingham Forest under manager Brian Clough. During this period, Forest won the First Division title (1977-78) and back-to-back European Cups (1978-79 and 1979-80). Shilton’s performances were crucial in these successes.

4. **Derby County (1982-1987)**:

   - Shilton played a key role in Derby County’s successful campaigns, including promotion to the top flight and a strong showing in domestic competitions.

5. **Other Clubs**:

   - Shilton also had stints with clubs including Barcelona, where he played briefly in the 1980-81 season, and later with Plymouth Argyle and Leicester City again towards the end of his career.

**International Success**

- **England National Team (1970-1990)**:

  - Shilton earned 125 caps for England, a record for a goalkeeper at the time. His international career was notable for several key tournaments:

    - **1970 FIFA World Cup**: Played in England’s quarter-final match against West Germany.

    - **1982 FIFA World Cup**: England reached the semi-finals, and Shilton was instrumental in their campaign, displaying remarkable performances throughout the tournament.

    - **1986 FIFA World Cup**: Shilton’s performance was pivotal, and he was part of the team that reached the quarter-finals. The tournament is famously remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, which was scored against Shilton.

Peter Shilton’s career was marked by his remarkable longevity, consistency, and contributions at both club and international levels. His legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers is cemented by his numerous achievements and the respect he commands in the football world.

Watch some of Peter Shilton's spectacular saves in his career in the below video