Brad Friedel, be a keeper at forty

I knew of its existence in 1994, while trying to complete the sticker album of the year worldwide. Was to be in your country, the United States, but remember that selection would mainly goalkeeper Tony Meola, long hair and really flashy shirts, or Alexi Lalas and endless red knob. There was even a player who played in the Spanish league: Tab Ramos at Real Betis. Brad Friedel was just one more of those cards. Today, seventeen years later, the American goalkeeper who is still active at forty years after a successful career in the Premiership. Not only that, but certified a few weeks ago his move to Tottenham, one of the best teams in the league.

He was not born in Germany, Spain or Italy, land of great goalkeepers, but in Lakewood, Ohio, one of the states comprising the United States. Friedel seemed to be clear from the outset that your site would be in England. As part of the team from UCLA, tried in 1993 to sign for Nottingham, still coaching the legendary Brian Clough. But he was denied a work permit. Would not be the last time. Without even having debuted as a professional, its worth allowed part of the team that would host the World Cup in the United States. He did not play, but his presence was already a success.

After the World Cup event was hired by Newcastle's Kevin Keegan, but again was denied permission. Following the refusal was given to the Danish Brondby, which was his first professional club debut but not reached. After being part of the U.S. team that played in the Copa America, tried again to arrive in the Premiership, this time in the ranks of Sunderland, but the third was not the charm. Then signed by Galatasaray, where it would be headline. After one season he returned to America to play the Columbus Crew, where he was two seasons and was named goalkeeper of the year in MLS in the second.

The fourth was the final, and not a club either. Liverpool was where his destiny would be three seasons. He was in the shadow of Calamity James David Westerveld first and then, but those years finally allowed him to learn the English league. In the 1998 World Cup, despite being the deputy Keller, formerly of Ray, they came to play a game. In 2000 came free at Blackburn, where they begin to make a name relevant to the Premier League.

Eight seasons at Ewood Park and was a permanent fixture, signing some memorable performances like the one orchestrated against Southampton. Coach them, Gordon Strachan, then claimed that Friedel had to have changed in a phone booth and that after his shirt had a suit with an S on his chest. Defending the goal Blackburn had time to even score a goal against Charlton .

In between he played his last World Cup in 2002, where he was the holder and signed great performances that helped the U.S. to reach the quarter-finals. In 2008 he signed for Aston Villa, where he stayed three seasons, also unchallenged, and where the records came. Friedel is the player with most appearances in a row in the Premiership with 275 matches and is the oldest player to wear the shirt of the villains.

After concluding its connection to the Villa Park club and attract the interest of Liverpool and Schalke, has signed for Tottenham Harry Redknapp, which fight for the post with Cudicini and Gomes. The latter, capable of the best and the worst has been the starter in recent years but their mistakes last season it can be costly, and the American goalkeeper wants to remain the holder has changed his goal though. Perhaps it is a class goalkeeper, but his career and regularly will attest.

Just turned to Friedel does not seem to affect the midlife crisis. There is no doubt that the career of a goalkeeper is longest, but it has its undeniable merit. In addition, English clubs tend to like goalkeeping experience. Bruce Willis does not mind the withdrawal, but has the idea to continue avoiding goals.
@ caballergabriel

Photo | dalli58