Diego Lopez, the AC Milan goalkeeper who is on loan to Espanyol has been named the Player of the Month in La Liga for November after an excellent run of games with Espanyol. The keeper went on for a period of 586 minutes without conceding a goal in La Liga. Goalkeepers often get neglected in such awards, however, Lopez’s form was such that it could not be ignored.
Espanyol have been on a great run and are unbeaten in their last 11 matches if all competitions are taken into consideration. They’ve kept a total of 8 clean sheets in these 11 matches. The former Real Madrid man has had a great impact on his team and is quite easily one of their best performers at the moment.
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Even though he conceded a goal, he did so after 586 minutes which means that his name is now etched in Espanyol’s history after breaking the record for most minutes played without conceding a goal. The Catalans have now gone almost two months without letting in a goal, after last conceding against Eibar on 22nd October.
Lopez who is indisputably a very good keeper lost his position at AC Milan to then 16-year-old sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma. After moving to Espanyol in an attempt to get continuous games under his belt, it seems that Lopez has found love at the La Liga side.
The player has been hailed by the fans and Lopez is enjoying his football here. Espanyol have seen the impact he has had on the team and are looking at making the move permanent. Lopez has also firmly declared his intentions to stay; much to the delight of Espanyol fans.
The Catalan derby is around the corner and Espanyol will be hoping that their goalkeeper is ready to face the world class Barcelona frontline. Lopez will be eager to take on Barcelona who he has faced several times in the past but without much success as he often ended up on the losing side.
Speaking to Marca, Lopez said, "They have a lot of individual quality and complement each other very well, they are practically unstoppable and we have to hope they aren't on their game."
"It is a game that we are all looking forward to, it is the most important in the calendar and whilst we know it will be difficult we will compete to our maximum level."
Diego Lopez knows the importance of the Catalan derby for the players and fans alike and will make sure that he is up for the task.
