I was first slightly perplexed with reports linking Liverpool with Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel. Firstly, signing a player who will almost certainly retire in the next couple years doesn’t really give confidence to our young keepers Peter Gulacsi and Martin Hansen, and secondly, why would Brad come to Anfield knowing full well he is destined for a place on the bench?
I have come around to thinking that signing the 40 year old American will have some far more beneficial affects than perhaps could be initially realised. The biggest argument for his signing is that Pepe Reina will have quality backup goalkeeper next season for no fee whatsoever. In the Carling Cup, and perhaps in the FA Cup, the Spaniard could be provided with opportunities to rest while a reliable replacement takes his place in the side. Although of course, there will not be as many games next season without Europe, keeping Pepe in top shape for the Premier League can only be beneficial.
Although this is a decent explanation of the short term benefits, I would be inclined to believe that Friedel’s signature could have even greater long term benefits. The fact that he will retire soon enough means he will be able to share his vast experience with the younger keepers, such as Gulacsi, who on the books at Anfield, and help them develop as goalkeepers, without stunting their development too greatly. He will either retire, leaving the door open to younger keepers who can challenge Reina for a first team place, or he could become part of the coaching staff at Anfield.
If Brad is inclined to continue in football after his playing days are over, Liverpool could be an ideal place to learn his trade as a goalkeeping coach, inspiring the young keepers using his experience, as well as learning from the best in the business in Kenny Dalglish and Steve Clarke in how to deal with players.
This is of course all speculation until Brad confirms where he is moving to this summer. West Brom are said to be interested while Tottenham are apparently circulating as they look for a replacement for Heurelho Gomes. Spurs could be the other likely destination and it will be interesting to see if Brad does indeed come back to Anfield this summer.
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This week it is former LFC WAG Gisela Molinero!
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Big Brad has found himself in financial difficulties (due to no fault of his own), so would be content with being a well paid bench-warmer for a guaranteed two seasons, as opposed to Villa’s #1 for a single season.
it would allow gulacsi to go on loan next season, so how on earth would that be a bad thing for ham rather than sitting on a bench week in week out without even so much as a reserve match.
I hope so Matt. I know we have Pepe, but I would still like to see Gulaci become a star eventually! We can’t keep Pepe around for ever! May be 4-5 more years (If we become champions often he may extend).
I think Kenny thinks about more than just a players influence on the pitch but also their influence on a dressing room. I think Brad would provide an experienced head around the young players we have. Sometimes that level of calmness that comes through experience is vital in times of high pressure. Considering he’s only going to be number 2 to Pepe I feel that, if the rumours are true, he could prove a useful addition in and around the dressing rooms of Melwood & Anfield. I think however that Kenny has enough experience of the game to allow a good nights sleep safe in knowledge that the ship is being captained and steered by the most knowledgeable captain on the seas.