Villaflor: Where to, Neil?

THE biggest winner in Cardiff City’s massive upset of Manchester United last Sunday was Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

While Etheridge Warnock’s squad scored two unanswered goals to pull off an unprecedented win at Old Trafford, it was Etheridge who thwarted United’s desperation assaults.

Apart from contributing to relegated Cardiff’s heroic final match from the top flight, Etheridge’s feat earned him plaudits and a spot in the Premier League’s Team of the Week, the last for the season.

Etheridge’s flawless performance against the Reds is nothing short of phenomenal. He kept a clean sheet by making 10 saves throughout the match.

United, on the other hand, end the season with a terrible whimper, having earned just one point in their last five matches and failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer’s disastrous stint means there’s a huge question mark about his future at the big club.

In contrast, Etheridge’s prospects seem to have skyrocketed overnight. Also, days prior to his United heroics, The Bluebirds named him Player of the Season.

Etheridge’s Premier League numbers are impressive. His clean sheet against United was his 10th in the season.

While having conceded 69 goals, he has made 169 saves as well as three from penalties in all matches. Further, he didn’t commit any error that led to a goal.

So what does the future hold for the Filipino shot stopper?

Reports overseas suggest some clubs might be eyeing him this off season.

“Neil Etheridge, Cardiff’s player of the season, could be another one to emerge as a possible target for clubs, although his public backing for Warnock suggests he’s more than happy to stay on at Cardiff City Stadium,” wrote Wales Online.

Neil’s face now graces the cover of Cardiff City Football Club’s Facebook page. The text reads: “I’ll be there.”

But exactly where?

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