Friday 11 March 2011

Jussi Jaaskelainen, 499 Appearences



35 year old goal keeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen will be in line to make his 500th appearence for Bolton Wanderers if chosen for the FA Cup game at Birmingham tomorrow.

First signed in 1997 by manager at the time Colin Todd when the club were in the old first division, which is now the championship. Born in Finland, Jussi spent his career in Finland before moving to England where he soon established himself in Boltons first team.

Over the years Jussi has been integral in keeping the north west team an established premier league team bailing them out of lots of situations where he has been called upon to make a magnificent save. Often referred to as 'under rated' he has caught the attention of top Premier League teams such as Arsenal and Manchester United. Jaaskelainen also caught the eye of the scouting staff of top european clubs such as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Celtic.

A particular highlight came when Bolton played Blackburn at Ewood Park. Blackburn were awarded two penatlies during the match and the finnish keeper was called upon, and managed to save both. (click here)

Since 1997 Bolton have maintained their status as a top division side as well as competing in the Uefa Cup for the first time in their history. Even when the manager who signed him left, the managers who took over still trusted the keeper to wear the number 22 shirt and do the business. There hasnt been one criticism over the years and still to this day, as a 35 year old doesn't look set to retire.

@OptaJoe‎ 135 - Bolton's Jussi Jääskeläinen made 135 saves in the Premier League in 2010; more than any other 'keeper. Unprotected

Former Bolton Wanderers FC player, Dean Holden wow, I remember his debut for the reserves against city at altrincham. He had a beast!! Great keeper tho', terrific servant

2 comments:

  1. keep posting man

    ReplyDelete
  2. #22, nice choice :D I try to stay up on the ol futbol

    ReplyDelete