Yann Sommer: Inter’s Unheralded Goalkeeping Star Shines in Champions League Semis

Undervalued No More: Sommer’s Heroics Earn Inter a Spot in the Champions League Final

Yann Sommer, the once undervalued goalkeeper for Inter Milan, has finally received the recognition he deserved after guiding his team to the Champions League final with exceptional performances against Barcelona in the semis.

“In Munich, he was subject to extreme pressure. He did not deserve the deal he got.”

Murat Yakin, Switzerland coach

Sommer, who started his professional career with Basel, had to prove himself time and again, fighting stereotypes about his height along the way. Standing at 183 cm (6 ft), he is the shortest goalkeeper in Serie A.

Fighting Stereotypes and Standing Tall

Yet, Sommer has made a name for himself as a formidable goalkeeper, illustrating his prowess with a string of remarkable saves that have critics eating their words. He is only the third goalkeeper in Champions League history to make 40 saves in a single campaign, with an impressive 85.4% save percentage.

From Undervalued to Unstoppable

Arriving at Inter in 2023 for a mere €6.9 million, Sommer replaced André Onana, who moved to Manchester United for €50.2 million. Despite the relatively low transfer fee, the Swiss international has proven to be a shrewd signing by Inter’s general manager, Beppe Marotta.

Champions League Heroics

• Sommer made 14 saves across the two legs against Barcelona, the most in a Champions League semi-final tie since Opta started recording such data in 2003-04.
• He single-handedly kept Inter in the game, pulling off two spectacular saves that will go down in Champions League history. The first was a reflex stop to deny Eric García, while the second was a miraculous fingertip save to push Lamine Yamal’s header onto the post in the 114th minute.
• Sommer’s performance has been lauded by none other than Julio César, who had similar heroic performances for Inter in the past.

Looking Ahead: On a Mission to Win Titles

Sommer, now known as “miniSuperman” by his Inter teammates, is relishing the challenge of winning titles in Milan. With the Champions League final against Manchester City on the horizon, the Swiss goalkeeper is determined to add anotherría to his impressive story.

FAQs

How many saves did Yann Sommer make against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals?

Sommer made 14 saves across the two legs against Barcelona.

What is Yann Sommer’s height?

Sommer is 183 cm (6 ft) tall.

How much was Yann Sommer transferred to Inter Milan?

Sommer was transferred to Inter Milan for €6.9 million.

Did you know?

Yann Sommer is the first goalkeeper to make 40+ saves in a single Champions League campaign since Opta started recording such data in 2003-04.

Pro Tip

To improve your goalkeeping skills, focus on explosive power, agility, and quick reflexes, just like Yann Sommer.

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