With Brad Friedel refusing to comment whether this season will be his last one as a professional footballer in the Premier League, it is only a matter of time before Spurs need to replace their first choice goalie.
At a record 41 years old, the former USA international is the oldest ever player to grace the Premier League. Over 14 years of top tier football and one season in the second tier, Brad is one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League throughout his 20 year professional career.
Obviously, he is a key figure to the Premier League. performing in 14 seasons of the Premier League, and playing in every single Premier League game for the past 8 seasons.
So with huge shoes to fill, who will become the next first choice goalkeeper at White Hart Lane?
- Hugo Lloris
For me he is the ideal replacement. As a key player for Lyon and France, the 25 year old has shown his leadership skills by captaining his club and country. Fitting in with AVB 's and Levy's "building for the future" ethos, Lloris would be a long-term replacement for the outgoing Friedel.
With his dad, who is also his agent, hoping to secure this deal, it is obvious that both parties are interested in concluding these deals. Whilst personal terms are said to have been agreed between the two, it appears that only a few million could separate the fate of this deal being concluded.
- Julio Cesar
The experienced keeper has made his impact at the San Siro, playing over 225 times for Inter Milan. In 2009, Cesar was nominated for the Ballon d'Or and was labelled as the 3rd best goalkeeper in the world by IIFHS. As well as this, Cesar was awarded the Serie A goalkeeper of the year for 2009 and 2010, which highlighted his tremendous success for Inter.
However, the keeper revealed on his facebook page regarding his plans to leave the club. “They have been seven beautiful and successful years, but, in a few days, my adventure in the Inter shirt will end.” But would it be a step up for Spurs?
Despite the keeper being available on a free transfer, his wages total to around £80,000 per week which could price him out of a move to Spurs.
Unlike Lloris, Cesar has a fairly poor disciplinary record, tallying up to 4 yellow cards and 1 red card in 33 appearances for Inter last season. As well as this, Cesar's decision making is very controversial at times, which has questioned some of his tackles to get the ball. Also, Cesar's ability to catch crosses from corners and also under pressure has seen his form decline in recent time. Whilst his experience in the Champions League and obvious accolades shows his ability, if Tottenham want a goalkeeper with butter-fingers and the inability to time a tackle then they should keep hold of Gomes.
It is impossible to place Gomes and Cesar on the same level of ability, but if Spurs need to adjust to AVB's high line, then they need to purchase a keeper who could make the incisive tackles when relied on, as well as being the essential shot stopper too.
Do you think Spurs should buy Lloris or Cesar? Leave your comments below.
