Asmir Begovic

Asmir Begović is a goalkeeper of Stoke City. He was born on 20 June 1987 in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In 2000 Asmir joined the academy of Kirchhausen, where he trained with the youth team of his age and climbed the youth system ladder. In 2003 Begović’s performance drew the attention of English side Portsmouth, which invited the footballer on a trial. After the keeper successfully passed all necessary tests, he officially moved to the academy of Portsmouth and spent two years there before making a start at the pro level.

In 2005 Asmir penned a contract with ‘Pompey’, but the club’s plans did not correspond to the player’s expectations. Begović wanted to perform at the position of a first-choice goalkeeper, as all rookies do, but he needed playing practice for achieving that goal. The same year Asmir went on a season-long loan to La Louvière, where he was given an opportunity to make only two appearances. The following year the keeper continued his performance on loan at Macclesfield Town and featured in three games of the temporary club during one season.

In 2007 Begović completed a move to Bournemouth on a season-long loan and took part in eight matches of the team. In 2008 the goalkeeper finalized a temporary move to Yeovil Town, where he was given the chance to come on the pitch 16 times as a first-choice goalkeeper. His last loan spell fell on Ipswich Town, where the footballer made six appearances.

In the summer 2010, Stoke City secured Asmir’s services and made him a regular keeper, who made 55 appearances during two years.

From 2004 till 2007, Begović took part in 11 games of the Canada U-20 team. From 2009, he was capped ten times for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national squad.