This past week, there was a great piece over at KeeperSkool regarding the current goalkeeping situation at Aston Villa. Being a big follower of Villa, I am really quite proud to see two very talented Americans “manning the pipes” in Birmingham, and think its a blessing for the US National Team, even if they did quote Bruce Arena in this article.

We all know that Bruce Arena = ratings!

Read more “after the jump”

For Guzan, having both a fellow countrymen and someone with Friedel’s experience in goals can only benefit his development. Martin O’Neill can only vouch for Friedel’s command of his goal area as “The Human Wall”, (which he is aptly named) currently ranks as the third best goalkeeper in the Premier League, behind Reina and Cech.

[KeeperSkool]

Evidently this is going to be a popular story this holiday season, as SLAM Sports did a similar article as well yesterday. The most important factor in our development as a soccer nation will be played out between the posts, I firmly stand by this. As our goalkeepers begin to play the game at its highest level by being brought abroad, that intimidation and the necessary composure in big games will develop for them. This is part of the reason that Kasey Keller was such a success for us – even with an intimidated defense and midfield, Keller was used to this level of play from his time in Spain and England.

Guzan will, in time, be a VERY close pick for the top ‘keeper spot with the US National team that Tim Howard currently holds. Both keepers are incredibly athletic, but future exposure to the international style of play in EPL will give them the necessary experience to succeed in that WC spotlight, should he ever get the call as the US #1. Right now, he’s merely meant to learn from one of the best US keepers of all-time (with over 300 Premiership matches to his credit). This is something that Jon Conway will never do…and thank God for that. Too bad that RBNY didn’t leave him unprotected; he’d be more fun to boo than worry that he might “regain” his starting spot next season when his suspension is up.