Goalkeeper Profiles: Tim Howard

For the latest installment in my goalkeeper profiles I’ll be focusing on Everton and USA stopper Tim Howard. On a personal level Howard has battled with Tourettes syndrome but it didn’t stop him becoming a truly world-class custodian. After a relatively quiet start to his career at North Jersey Imperials where Howard made just six appearances he was snapped up by MLS outfit Metrostars, where Howard really began to make a name for himself.

In 2001 the then 22-year-old Howard became the youngest player ever to receive the MLS goalkeeper of the year award, thanks to four clean sheets and an impressive 146 saves. From that point on Howard went from strength to strength and in 2003 English giants Manchester United came calling.

Howard started his United career as first-choice following the departure of eccentric Frenchman Fabien Barthez but a costly error in the Champions League, which saw United knocked out of the competition at the hands of FC Porto, saw the American lose his confidence and he was replaced as number one by Roy Carroll. Howard did force his way back into the side though and he started in the 2004 FA Cup final against Championship side Millwall. He managed to keep a clean-sheet as United comfortably won 3-0 and he became the first American to ever win the competition.

However, in 2005 United bought Ducth legend Edwin Van der Sar from league rivals Fulhamd and Howard found himself second choice in Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans. In May 2006 he made a loan switch to Everton before making the deal permanent with a £3million transfer (United reportedly paid Metrostars £4million). At Everton he has firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers.

The 30-year-old is yet to win any silverware at Everton but the side have finished fifth in the last two consecutive seasons. Howard also appeared in the 2009 FA Cup final but Everton were defeated by Chelsea and the shot-stopper had to make do with a runners up medal. The Goodison Park side may not be one of England’s ‘big four’ but they’re a well respected outfit and to finish fifth two years in a row show the quality they have.

As a keeper Howard is an excellent shot-stopper and frequently pulls off some fine saves. Some criticism that has been aimed at Howard is he is sometimes a little quiet when commanding his defence but the Everton side themselves have enough experience and quality amongst their ranks to counteract this.