René Adler

René Adler (born January 15, 1985 in Leipzig) is a Germany association football who plays as a Goalkeeper (association football) for Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Career

Club career

Adler has been a club captain at all levels of competition and at the Germany Under-19 championships he was one of the star players of the tournament, attracting attention from clubs such as Feyenoord, Arsenal F.C. and Chelsea F.C.. Due to his good performances, Rudi Völler nominated Adler to his first senior appearance against SV Werder Bremen.
He made his Bundesliga debut in dramatic fashion on February 25, 2007 against league leaders FC Schalke 04. With starting goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt serving a suspension, Adler saved 10 shots on goal, repelling Schalke's repeated attacks. A breakaway goal by Stefan Kießling in the 85th minute gave Leverkusen a 1-0 upset victory. Leverkusen manager Michael Skibbe praised Adler's "world-class saves". His strengths are his quick reactions. He stopped Schalke's record of 13 games unbeaten, VfB Stuttgart record of 5 games unbeaten and Hamburger SV 4 games winning spree with a saved penalty kick against Rafael van der Vaart. In the Fußball-Bundesliga 2007-08 he was one of two goalkeeper's to get an assist, the other being Manuel Neuer.

International career

Adler has made four appearances for the Germany national under-21 football team under the leadership of Dieter Eilts. He was part of the Germany national football team that finished as runners-up in UEFA Euro 2008. He made his debut for Germany on October 11, 2008 in a FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifier against Russia national football team.

Honours

National Team
- UEFA European Football Championship Runner-up: UEFA Euro 2008

Personal Honours

- Best Fußball-Bundesliga Goalkeeper: 2008