Spurs best XI in depth: Brad Friedel

Seeing as the international break is upon football fans, To the Lane and Back will take this opportunity to analyse what is perceived to be Tottenham's strongest starting XI, one player at a time.

Brad Friedel will be the first player to fall under To the Lane and Back's microscope.

The American joined Spurs in July on a free following the expiration of his contract with Aston Villa, having spent three-years at Villa Park, playing every league game in the process.

Having made over 280 consecutive Premier League appearances, Friedel is well accustomed to the demands and rigours that comes with playing in England's top tier.

Nonetheless, Spurs fans were skeptical about his signing, considering the goalkeeping veteran turned 40 back in May. With Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini both vying for the number one spot, the signing of Friedel was one the didn't instil fans with confidence of the clubs transfer plans, many believing Ben Foster, formerly of Birmingham City, a better choice than the former Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool shot-stopper.

Nonetheless, the club persisted with bringing Friedel in, and even offered a two-year deal for his services. Many felt one would have been enough for a player who will be 42 when his current deal expires. However, fans are beginning to come round to the idea of Friedel being the clubs number one for this season at least.

His calmness behind the back four has given the defence a renewed confidence in their goalkeeper, made more critical by the fact that last season, the likes of Michael Dawson and William Gallas appeared nervous when Gomes came for crosses or any long ball or shot was sent his way.

Friedel has looked an astute signing by Redknapp and the ageing keeper has rolled back the years, making some truly groundbreaking saves that even the likes of Iker Casillas or Petr Cech would struggle to make.

With the 40-year-old starting, Spurs look calmer at the back and, the first two games aside, look more stable when on the back-foot. Any Spurs fans would be surprised if he doesn't make it to 300+ consecutive games in the Premiership and at this rate, they look to be winning ones, especially if Spurs can continue their recent good run of four wins out of four in the league.

Comments

[Steve]

Friedel is a good keeper and an excellent signing. Definitely better than Gomes and gives Harry at least 9 months to find a decent replacement.

I bet he won't though!

[gzm89]

There's no doubt he will breathe confidence into the back four, he has years and years of PL experience and knows the league more than any other keeper. Should definately look into giving him a coaching role at the club when he hangs up his gloves.

[James147]

Brad looks in great shape and has been in top form for us this season. I can see him playing for another 2 seasons after this one. We have a much better understanding of health, nutrition, hydration, training techniques etc these days, so being 40 isn't what it once was -- especially for goalkeepers. I actually think we'll see even outfield players regularly playing til 40 in the not-too-distant future.

[zmeu]

Superb keeper, fanatic about his conditioning, should prove to be one key reason why we will make the CL this year. Would not be surprised to see his contract renewed after 2 years.