Friedel

[Bill_Oddie]

Criticism based on comparison between this season's and last season's clean sheet stats and goals conceded is heavily flawed as we had a much more settled CB pairing then. We've also pushed the full-backs up more (Walker obviously made this a sensible move rather than the less energetic Charlie) and split the CBs more this campaign. We have deliberately made ourselves more vulnerable with the aim of hitting teams better with our pace.

Not that we would have done much worse with Gomes, imo. Just noting that it's not a like-for-like comparison.

 

[seanwhite1961]

The run of clean sheets we had with Gomes was not primarily attributable to him. He made some spectacular saves but the main feature was having a settled back four(usually Corluka/Daws/King or Bassong/BAE) with Modric and Hudd in front.

Clemence rarely did much in the l70s Liverpool team, and their defenders weren't individually outstanding(having no pass back rule was a big help in killing games), but what he did do was in-still confidence in his defenders that the basics would be done well, and that a daft error would be exceedingly rare. And that team still holds the record for lowest goals conceded in a top level season of 42 league games - 16.

 

[jimbo]

Criticism based on comparison between this season's and last season's clean sheet stats and goals conceded is heavily flawed as we had a much more settled CB pairing then. We've also pushed the full-backs up more (Walker obviously made this a sensible move rather than the less energetic Charlie) and split the CBs more this campaign. We have deliberately made ourselves more vulnerable with the aim of hitting teams better with our pace.

Not that we would have done much worse with Gomes, imo. Just noting that it's not a like-for-like comparison.

But I thought the signing of Parker had made us more solid defensively? If it didn't, why did we sign him? (I think it did.)

 

[Bill_Oddie]

But I thought the signing of Parker had made us more solid defensively? If it didn't, why did we sign him? (I think it did.)

I think it did too. But the actual defence itself has been hit very hard with injuries in the CB spot. We can be tighter in midfield and still be more prone to goals. Besides, Parker is not quite doing the Busquets role of becoming the CB when we attack, so it's not like the shift tactically to split the CBs and push the full backs on has seen him in the main danger zone. You only have to look at the number of goals and chances we let happen with straight balls through the middle to see we are not as solid down the centre this season.

 

[jimbo]

I think it did too. But the actual defence itself has been hit very hard with injuries in the CB spot. We can be tighter in midfield and still be more prone to goals. Besides, Parker is not quite doing the Busquets role of becoming the CB when we attack, so it's not like the shift tactically to split the CBs and push the full backs on has seen him in the main danger zone. You only have to look at the number of goals and chances we let happen with straight balls through the middle to see we are not as solid down the centre this season.

Would you be happy with Friedel as the first choice GK for next season? For me he's been fairly average, and I know that unspectacular-ness is what a lot of his fans point to as a blessed relief. I disagree but it's just a matter of opinion now. What is more important is whether we stick or twist for next season, and my vote would go with twist.

Of course it's easy to say 'let's go out and get a top goalkeeper who is mentally stable and capable of making world class saves' and another thing to do it.

 

[fieryjack]

At least Gomes is a laugh.

Best reason ever for keeping a goalkeeper.

 

[Bill_Oddie]

Would you be happy with Friedel as the first choice GK for next season? For me he's been fairly average, and I know that unspectacular-ness is what a lot of his fans point to as a blessed relief. I disagree but it's just a matter of opinion now. What is more important is whether we stick or twist for next season, and my vote would go with twist.

Of course it's easy to say 'let's go out and get a top goalkeeper who is mentally stable and capable of making world class saves' and another thing to do it.

I would say there are bigger areas to address.

I don't mind Friedel for the same reason I think Paul Robinson (don't hate me for saying this Robbo) is one of the worst keepers in the Premier League. Communication. Friedel's main job is to watch play and help coordinate the back four. Robbo was crap at it, Friedel seems decent. If he talks, the likes of Walker (and Caulker next season I imagine) listen and learn. Even though he doesn't come out for crosses - which drives me nuts - at least the defence KNOW he won't come out. So can deal with crosses. The not knowing was what did for Gomes on numerous occasions.

On pure terms, I don't think Friedel is in the league's top half of goalkeepers. But he adds more than merely his skills.

If I could have unlimited transfers, yeah, i'd bring in someone 'better', but I don't think it's as easy as bringing in a Vorm or a Krul and seeing a reduction in the number of goals conceded. They'd have to suit our defence and be able to get the most out of very different players and characters in e.g. Benny, Walker, Ledley or Caulker.

 

[jimbo]

I would say there are bigger areas to address.

I don't mind Friedel for the same reason I think Paul Robinson (don't hate me for saying this Robbo) is one of the worst keepers in the Premier League. Communication. Friedel's main job is to watch play and help coordinate the back four. Robbo was crap at it, Friedel seems decent. If he talks, the likes of Walker (and Caulker next season I imagine) listen and learn. Even though he doesn't come out for crosses - which drives me nuts - at least the defence KNOW he won't come out. So can deal with crosses. The not knowing was what did for Gomes on numerous occasions.

On pure terms, I don't think Friedel is in the league's top half of goalkeepers. But he adds more than merely his skills.

If I could have unlimited transfers, yeah, i'd bring in someone 'better', but I don't think it's as easy as bringing in a Vorm or a Krul and seeing a reduction in the number of goals conceded. They'd have to suit our defence and be able to get the most out of very different players and characters in e.g. Benny, Walker, Ledley or Caulker.

I agree with most of this, I think the only part I'm not sure I agree with is that there are bigger areas to address. We definitely need a striker either Adebayor or like Adebayor, and we need a centre back, but I'd say we need a new 'keeper almost as much.

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

I think Friedel has done a solid job this season and has certainly been a composed figure which I guess has been necessary with the number of changes we've had in defence this year. Of course he isn't a long term solution and I hope we've had our scouts scouring Europe and the rest of the world for our future number 1.

 

[TEESSIDE1]

I used to play in goal as a kid through to my late teens ... I'm only 5ft 10/slender build (small for keeper). I was excellent at shot stopping but I dreaded coming for crosses as I always lost the flight of the ball/got flattened.

Friedel on the other hand is is 6ft 2, pretty stocky and gives the impression of an intimidating figure. You would therefore expect him to be good at coming for crosses or at least punching the damn thing clear.

The fact that he stays rooted to his line can only be down to his age/lack of mobility .... or the fear of getting injured which at his age could be career ending.

I was against signing Brad but he did well early season ... unfortunately, since Christmas he has more noticeably failed to maintain basic goal keeping duties - commanding your area, not bothering to dive for shots that the likes of Gomes would save and getting beat by long range powder puff shots like the Taarabt free kick.

He's been a decent stop gap but in the summer we need to have a major overhaul with the goalkeepers - get rid of the lot. Alnwick is terrible, Gomes is an awesome shot stopper but too unreliable and will be leaving anyway, Cudicini is not good enough and it's time for Friedel to enjoy his retirement. Lloris or Forster and a youngster should be brought in with Button promoted to the 1st team squad.

 

[Riandor]

I agree with most of this, I think the only part I'm not sure I agree with is that there are bigger areas to address. We definitely need a striker either Adebayor or like Adebayor, and we need a centre back, but I'd say we need a new 'keeper almost as much.

Not sure it's good to change the whole team though, even if we had the cash.

All for a new keeper as well, but unless the right player is available I say stick. Defence know what they have and it is such a huge factor. I agree with Bill_Odie, defenders know their roles and I would say some of the goals conceded are through poor defending as much as the keeper.

Kaboul and King have both been guilty of some abhorrent stuff at the back, but at least Kaboul has most of the time been excellent this season to make up for it. A settled and consistent back 4 in front of Brad and you would see the difference.

So yeah, by all means bring in a keeper if available, but for me it's lower down the list. Would rather we signed Ade, Leandro, Hazard, Vertonghaen ahead of a keeper.

Then replace Keeper properly next season once the back 4 are settled.

R.

 

[jimbo]

Not sure it's good to change the whole team though, even if we had the cash.

All for a new keeper as well, but unless the right player is available I say stick. Defence know what they have and it is such a huge factor. I agree with Bill_Odie, defenders know their roles and I would say some of the goals conceded are through poor defending as much as the keeper.

Kaboul and King have both been guilty of some abhorrent stuff at the back, but at least Kaboul has most of the time been excellent this season to make up for it. A settled and consistent back 4 in front of Brad and you would see the difference.

So yeah, by all means bring in a keeper if available, but for me it's lower down the list. Would rather we signed Ade, Leandro, Hazard, Vertonghaen ahead of a keeper.

Then replace Keeper properly next season once the back 4 are settled.

R.

I suppose if you believe Friedel to have been an improvement this season you might feel that it is not top priority. However, even then surely when you consider his age and who the back-ups are you have to agree that we need to sign a goalkeeper this summer. If we go into next season as we are then I think we're asking for trouble.

 

[YiddoInPoland]

He has been solid, but i am sorry you cant base the team core on him at 41, it is shorterm at best. I am not going to get into who is better between Friedel and Gomes, i have at some points this season though that Gomes would have save that etc but the nature of Gomes is you never know what you are going to get which is the problem.

We dont know how it went in training, if Gomes was looking shakey in training then maybe that is why he was not in the sticks at the begining of the season, but i always though Brad was bought in to offer competition, not simple walk into the first team and for us to Freeze Gomes out in the way that we have is not right IMHO, Brad is solid, but we need more from a keeper moving forwards, i would be looking to be bringing someone in the summer, even if Brad is first choice it can only be for next season at most!

 

[gp13tot]

Atleast Gomes is a laugh. Friedel is just a boring yank! There is no banter at all with him and the park lane like there was with Gomes and Robbo before him

Will never forget that game last season when he saved a penalty and whilst celebrating pulled down a player to give the other side another penalty. Sunderland I think? Remember being in the Park lane absolutely pissing myself.

BUT as well being a bit of a character he is a good keeper.

Doesn't he hold the record for most clean sheets is a season for spurs?

And the season we finished 4th he was amazing against Arsenal, remember him making some unbelievable saves.

Ditch the boring old slow yank and bring back the Octopus!

Hurelio Gomes, you are the love of my life..........

That game was Blackpool mate i too was in the Park Lane veering from fits of laughter to screaming abuse at him ,whilst getting into a bit of a scrap with some old boy who insisted both pens were dives!

Not a big fan of Friedel but Gomes was too inconsistent and had plenty of chances to sort himself out. It's weird because when we finished 4th he was quality for much of the season but the 1st and 3rd seasons he was a liability too many times. An upgrade at the GK position is most definitely needed in the summer

 

[PT]

I think Gomes has run his contract down too, so he is a goner regardless.

In my opinion, the crux of a title chasing, cup challenging side is the consistency of its core. At the heart of the core are the goalkeeper and the two CBs. For too long, more than one Spurs Manager has compromised here, by playing Ledders when he could manage to swim a length and stand for longer than half an hour at the side of the training pitch, whlie doing some bicep curls.

Mr Reliable, Friedel has steadied this core, no more, no less. He has done his job in instilling lost confidence at the heart of defence. Gomes had lost his defence in this respect with ever more persistent costly errors, outweighing in terms of effect on results, his world class reflex saves.

So in summary, if Spurs wish to step up to the next level with some consistency, a central defence pairing with a top quality keeper is paramount. All three have to form the bedrock of a season intact.

 

[mabolsa_ritchey]

If there's someone younger and better available then I'm all for it, if not keep Brad. As for having Gomes back, I've literally just got over not having to worry about the keeper either rebounding the ball to the opposition/taking out our own players/throwing the ball into the net. At least he jumped up and down in front of the Park Lane after half time. Legend.

 

[Shanks]

Sometimes, there is no need for a keeper to come out for a catch, if he trusts his defence to do the job, then fine.

Brad has been great for us this season. Last year, we had a keeper, who is as good as anyone at shot stopping, unfortunately had the odd (well not that odd) moment where he lacked concentration.

This year we needed experience, and almost like a calming infuence.

Brad is it.

I'd probably be more comfortable with Cudicini in goal over Gomes in all truthfulness, not that I don't liek Gomes because I really like him, as a goalkeeper myself, I rate him highly, and contrary to belief, I think Gomes is fantastic at claiming crosses and has great handling - it's more to do with the ball at his feet or the moment of hot headedness, and the injuries ;-)

Whilst we need to get another defender in for King, probably a replacement for Modric and a striker, we could well do with signing one of Vorm or Krul in goal, who are both fantastic keepers.

 

[Col_M]

The difference is that I no longer worry when we have corners, free-kicks or long shots against us. Well, not as much, anyway. He instills confidence in the defence.

I wish Gallas had the same effect!!!

 

[yido_number1]

CAn't believe people are saying friedel has cost us points... ridiculous... I loved Gomes like I loved Robbo but Friedel is very consistant and the defence know what they are getting... long term we need a new keeper short term he is very good...

 

[Winchy85]

I'm not a fan of Friedel either. I think he's done well for us this year though. My biggest issue with him is his commanding of the box, far too often he stays on his line when the ball is around the 6 yard box from a cross. A keeper should be out winning them. Similar to Shay Given, good reflexes etc, doesn't come off the line.