Friedel still fresh at 37

Aston Villa coach, Martin O’Neill believes that like good wine, Brad Friedel is getting better with age. Although Aston Villa have had a torrid time in the past, keeping the ball out of the net, Friedel’s arrival and performance against Liverpool certainly seems to be pointing in the right direction.

O’Neill certainly has faith in the American and Friedel proved the former Celtic manager right by pulling out a clean sheet against Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane of Liverpool. Friedel, who is now entering the twilight of his career, is hoping to put up a few more memorable performances in his final years. What is more important though, is the experience and expertise that the American will be able to impart to his understudy, fellow American, Brad Guzan.

O’Neill pointed out why there was a marked difference in his team’s defensive game post – Friedel. Friedel has been heavily involved in talking and guiding his defense through the game. He tells them where to go and what to expect, all learnt through years at the top level. O’Neill also pointed out that it was his defense which he would have wanted to bolster over the summer and with the arrival of the big American, he has certainly done just that.

“Defenders respond to a very commanding goalkeeper and Brad has definitely got that presence that you want at the back. He’s a very experienced goalkeeper and I am delighted with the start he has made”, said O’Neill.

The season is just a few weeks old now and whether it is too early to call Friedel Villa’s saviour or not, time will tell but till the time that he is part of the team, fans can be assured of a heavy presence at the back. Friedel will also be aware of his role to mentor the younger American keeper in the Villa side, Brad Guzen. After numerous work-permit issues, something that Friedel himself faced, Guzen has finally managed to complete his transfer to Villa Park and is looking to take in tonnes of knowledge from his older countryman. A more important feature of this arrangement would be for Friedel to mould Guzen into a long term prospect for Villa, a task he seems well capable of accomplishing.

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