When Vito Mannone was loaned to Minnesota United for the 2019 MLS season, those around Reading — his former club, currently playing in the English Championship — were unanimous in praising one aspect of his game: saving shots in dead-ball situations.



Whether it was a penalty kick or a free kick outside the box, the Italian goalkeeper has prided himself on smart positioning and dependable shot-stopping. After rising through the Arsenal academy, making some big appearances for the Gunners, and continuing his career with Sunderland and Reading, the 14-year veteran has seen most of what kick takers can offer.



In some cases, a move across the Atlantic Ocean could have been viewed as a risk for a goalkeeper who had so thoroughly become accustomed to the top two divisions in English football. Yes, he may occasionally face a familiar foe like Wayne Rooney, but as he joined the team midway through their preseason, he didn’t have much time to do his homework...