Pepe Reina is an elite goalkeeper. Winner of the Golden Gloves on no less than three occasions, the Barcelona graduate has been a part of both European and World Cup winning squads. He is one of football's more colourful characters, and when SoccerBible got the chance to sit down with the man we couldn't pass up the chance to get to know more about Pepe Reina, and hear his opinions on goalkeeping, Spain's success and Luis Suarez.
Whilst Liverpool may have problems at the other end of the pitch, their defensive quarter has once again been solid as this season last the past six, it's being marshalled by Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Just as you would judge a striker on goals you can judge a keeper on clean sheets, and in over 300 appearances for Liverpool Reina has kept over 150 clean sheets. That's a ratio of one in two, and one of the reasons Pepe Reina is regarded as one of the games best goalkeepers.
Son of famed Barcelona and Atletico Madrid keeper Miguel Reina, Pepe has a fine goalkeeping pedigree. Born in a different time Reina would be Spain's number one, but the Spanish international acknowledges he is part of a golden generation, playing alongside close friends David Villa, Fernando Torres, Iker Casillas and Fernando Llorente, and led by Xavi Hernandez who in Reina's opinion is one of his nations' greatest players. But more than just standing between the sticks, Pepe Reina brings an essential element to every squad he's involved in - he's a character.
A model professional, a popular figure and natural goalkeeping ability, has seen Pepe rise to be one of the best in the game. Pepe Reina is an inspiration to young players around the globe, and there aren't many squads that wouldn't welcome him to their ranks. So let us know your thoughts on the Spanish stopper, join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.