Best goals and saves of 2015
Here is a list of best five goals and saves of the year
PHOTO: REUTERS
2015 in football saw some stunning moments of individual brilliance. Here we have a list of the best goals and saves of the year, featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, Joe Hart, Alexis Sanchez, Neymar and Thibaut Courtois
Best goals of 2015
Florenzi vs Barcelona
The first goal in the list features Florenzi of AS Roma, who saved his side from defeat at home against the mighty Barcelona in their Champions League group stage match.
The young Italian midfielder dribbled the ball down the right flank before trying his luck from over 40 yards out. He lobbed the ball over a helpless Marc-André Ter Stegen, with his effort clipping the bar before hitting the net. The match finished 1-1.
Messi vs Bilbao
It is quite impossible to talk about goals without mentioning Messi. His first against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final is a favourite for the Puskas Award.
Dribbling from the right flank, Messi made his way past four defenders before beating the goalkeeper at the near post.
Charlie Adams vs Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois may be the one of the best keepers around, but he was unable to save this 66-yard shot by Charlie Adam for Stoke City.
With Stoke one goal down, Charlie Adam pulled off this remarkable shot from behind the half-way line as he saw the Chelsea keeper out of his goal. Courtois tried to run back and stop Adam’s lob shot, but even though he managed to get his hand to the ball, it still found its way into the net.
Sanchez vs Villa
The Chilean forward extended his side’s lead in the FA Cup final against Aston Villa with this shot from outside the penalty box.
Veteran Shay Given was unable to stop this rocket of a shot as it flew above his hands, but dipped just enough to clip the inside of the bar on its way into the back of the net.
Neymar vs Villareal
The Brazilian forward’s goal features in our list not only for the amazing dribbling skills on show, but also for the memory it evokes of fellow compatriot Ronaldinho playing in Barca colours.
Neymar produced this beauty when he received the cross from Suarez, chipped it over his head to beat the defender, and turned to slot calmly into the bottom right corner of the net.
Best saves of 2015
Hart vs Barca
England international Joe Hart came under scrutiny many times last season, but his performance against Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 was nothing less than world class.
Ter Stegen vs Bayern
German goalkeeper Ter Stegen’s produced one of the saves of the year against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
With his team in control, the 23-year old produced a top double save off Robert Lewandowski to ensure the hosts did not produce an unlikely comeback.
Tim Howard vs Southampton
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard produces a sublime save in the early moments of his side's match against Southampton in the English Premier League.
The veteran goalkeeper was caught on the wrong foot after a lob from Saint’s striker Pelle but somehow managed to claw it out.
Diego Alves vs Real Madrid
Valencia keeper Diego Alves made an incredible save from a Gareth Bale shot to ensure that 10-time European champions Real could only muster a draw.
Thibaut Courtois vs Hull
The highly rated Chelsea keeper Courtois made a spectacular triple save against Hull City in the second half of their English Premier League match.
Best goals of 2015
Florenzi vs Barcelona
The first goal in the list features Florenzi of AS Roma, who saved his side from defeat at home against the mighty Barcelona in their Champions League group stage match.
The young Italian midfielder dribbled the ball down the right flank before trying his luck from over 40 yards out. He lobbed the ball over a helpless Marc-André Ter Stegen, with his effort clipping the bar before hitting the net. The match finished 1-1.
Messi vs Bilbao
It is quite impossible to talk about goals without mentioning Messi. His first against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final is a favourite for the Puskas Award.
Dribbling from the right flank, Messi made his way past four defenders before beating the goalkeeper at the near post.
Charlie Adams vs Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois may be the one of the best keepers around, but he was unable to save this 66-yard shot by Charlie Adam for Stoke City.
With Stoke one goal down, Charlie Adam pulled off this remarkable shot from behind the half-way line as he saw the Chelsea keeper out of his goal. Courtois tried to run back and stop Adam’s lob shot, but even though he managed to get his hand to the ball, it still found its way into the net.
Sanchez vs Villa
The Chilean forward extended his side’s lead in the FA Cup final against Aston Villa with this shot from outside the penalty box.
Veteran Shay Given was unable to stop this rocket of a shot as it flew above his hands, but dipped just enough to clip the inside of the bar on its way into the back of the net.
Neymar vs Villareal
The Brazilian forward’s goal features in our list not only for the amazing dribbling skills on show, but also for the memory it evokes of fellow compatriot Ronaldinho playing in Barca colours.
Neymar produced this beauty when he received the cross from Suarez, chipped it over his head to beat the defender, and turned to slot calmly into the bottom right corner of the net.
Best saves of 2015
Hart vs Barca
England international Joe Hart came under scrutiny many times last season, but his performance against Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 was nothing less than world class.
Ter Stegen vs Bayern
German goalkeeper Ter Stegen’s produced one of the saves of the year against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
With his team in control, the 23-year old produced a top double save off Robert Lewandowski to ensure the hosts did not produce an unlikely comeback.
Tim Howard vs Southampton
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard produces a sublime save in the early moments of his side's match against Southampton in the English Premier League.
The veteran goalkeeper was caught on the wrong foot after a lob from Saint’s striker Pelle but somehow managed to claw it out.
Diego Alves vs Real Madrid
Valencia keeper Diego Alves made an incredible save from a Gareth Bale shot to ensure that 10-time European champions Real could only muster a draw.
Thibaut Courtois vs Hull
The highly rated Chelsea keeper Courtois made a spectacular triple save against Hull City in the second half of their English Premier League match.