Spurs Sign Friedel
We are delighted to announce that Brad Friedel has agreed to join the Club on a two-year deal. The former Liverpool and Galatasaray goalkeeper has established himself as one of the Premier League's leading players in his position.
Manager Harry Redknapp said: "Brad is a top goalkeeper of real quality who has great experience. It is good to have three such experienced top goalkeepers at the Club in Gomes, Carlo and now Brad and it means we have competition for places particularly with the number of games we will hopefully face next year both domestically and in Europe as well."
An interesting signing. There's little doubt that 40-year old Friedel is coming to the end of his career but he is still one of the most consistent keepers in the league. It appears he's been given assurances over the No.1 shirt so with Cudicini signing a year extension last month this will surely mean Gomes is on his way out of White Hart Lane this summer. Despite what Redknapp says about "competition for places" he doesn't need all 3 of them.
I'm aware Spurs can't afford or attract a top European keeper without Champions League football, so I'm reasonably happy with this move. What are your thoughts?
Cheers,
AM
14 comments:
1st......
Nik,
They should offload gomes earlier mate. An error-prone gk esp in big games.
Consistency from a goal keeper allows the team defense to play a more attacking role as well as the balance of the team. If Friedel holds current form, it looks like a plus for the Spurs. Gomes looked to have some issues and that can affect team play. Maybe he would be a good fit at Blackpool....
He a bit slow now IMO, reaction time is slower which would affect is reflex. I wouldn't put him ahead of Cudicini.
This has been one of Friedel's worst seasons and he's only going to get worse, shame.
@Ian, i totally agree.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I've very rarely seen him make any mistakes over the years, which is why I was pleased with the deal, but if his reactions have slowed that badly in the past 12-18 months then it's a real concern.
I do believe the comment about competition for places. No doubt Redknapp is planning to field differing sides in the League and Cup games and Friedel's experience and consistency is noteworthy but I can't help thinking it should've been a different keeper.
Competition between Friedel and Cudicini maybe, but you don't need all 3 of them battling for No.1. It makes no sense paying big wages to three experienced goalkeepers - one of them will leave and I'm sure it'll be Gomes.
I must have missed something in the couple Villa games I watched this year. I thought considering his age, amount of time in goal, and problems early on with defensive injuries that Friedel did a fine job?
My experience is quite limited, and I can only comment on what I personally saw. He may not be the "answer" but a good asset...I say yes. As far as best days behind him I will have to take your word for it.
Villa's goals against average is 1.55 per game. Looks to be "consistent" if nothing else.
Like a B- student. Not showing off..not falling behind.
I think, more than his ability, his experience and presence will benefit the Spurs defense. Dawson, King and Gallas are all very strong centre halves and with a consistent keeper behind them, I'm sure it will improve the whole unit significantly.
I'm also a fan of Cudicini, so hoping he'll get more playing time.
Yes he's old and his reaction times might be slower than most, but then again spurs fans wont have to deal with shocking goalkeeping next season. I say this is a step up, even though they could have done a little better had they waited a bit longer in the market.
yes well i felt bad for spurs with gomes big gaffes. i can relate being an arsenal fan. it is amazing the difference in the standings when you have a goal keeper that is top notch. hart, van der sar and cech were worth several extra wins or ties. i think with a top notch keeper spurs would have easily finished top 3 or 4. same for arsenal they would have beaten birmingham in the final and battled for 1st or 2nd.
personally, friedel is my favorite goalie ever, but age is an amazing thing. if he is does not pin down the starter spot, he will be a great starter for europe and cup games.
i think gomes will go back to holland.
hallelujah ! finally blogger allows me to log in. i used google chrome rather than I.E. which i have been trying for 2 weeks !. Ian is spot on. Friedel has been a top notch keeper for a while & quite under-rated, but last season he had a shocker.
http://sports.my11.com/epl/player_leaders.asp?category=107
these stats make interesting reading. friedel has the 15th best saves ratio in the lge. Gomes has the 5th best. it'd be really weird to ditch a great keeper like Gomes. yes he's made 1 or 2 more clangers than he should have, but the media seem to have in it for him. when Reina does them, he's teflon. & please don't fall for the Reina doesn't do them line. remember ars v liv 1st day of season, he punches one into his own net. for spain v arg, ( lost 4-0 ) a wild mis-kick ; a shocker in the europa cup away, away at newc, Carroll smashed one past him from 30 yd's etc etc. overall the stats table makes sense. top keepers like Hart, Cech & Foster are up there. dodge-pots like Carson, Krul & good ol' Robbo ( normal service resumed after his temp good form !) are down the bottom .
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