Guzan To Re-Sign

[Dave]

When it's real, it gets it's own thread rather than staying in the transfer thread dungeon:

PAUL Lambert has confirmed Brad Guzan will challenge for the No.1 jersey at Villa after explaining his reasons for wanting to re-sign the club’s perennial goalkeeping understudy.

Guzan is in the process of finalising a new deal after Lambert offered him the chance to revive his claret and blue career despite his release at the end of last season.

And Lambert insists the 27-year-old American international will be given an equal opportunity to compete with current first choice stopper Shay Given for a first team role.

During his first four years at Villa, Guzan was largely restricted to cup appearances and was used as a Premier League deputy for compatriot Brad Friedel and then Given.

The former Chivas USA keeper impressed during his longest run of league matches midway through last season, but instantly lost his place when Given returned to contention.

And previous Villa manager Alex McLeish sent out a demoralising message to Guzan by insisting Given would always get the nod whenever the experienced Irish international was fit.

But Lambert rates Guzan highly and expects him to provide a strong challenge to Given when he puts pen to paper on a new contract shortly.

“It’s near,” said Lambert.

“I’ve watched Brad and some of his games when he was in the team last year and he was excellent.

“I know he’s always had that stigma of being the No.2 behind some really good goalkeepers here.

“But when you come back at the start of the season nobody knows what’s going to happen and it depends on whoever does well.

“Brad played very well the time he was in and maybe he found himself a bit unlucky to be back out.

“The club needs two or three good goalkeepers, so when Shay comes back from the Euros it will be a big bonus and we’ll see what happens.”

Lambert is demanding competition for places in all departments of his team and insists the players on the fringes are every bit as important as those in the starting line-up.

“If you play well then you make my job harder,” he added.

“Goalkeepers are in a different position because you’ve got two or three vying for the same position, so it can be tough.

“But they chose to play that role! My job is to pick the best one for the team to help us win football matches.

“Whatever happens with the goalkeepers, and the other players for that matter, we need every one of them to be with us.

“The lads who don’t play at a football club are every bit as important as the ones that do play because they’re the ones who have to keep the others on their toes and hopefully not get de-motivated.

“They need to always keep that hunger because you never know when you can get thrown in.”

Meanwhile, contrary to reports, Villa have not bid for Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand and, although they are believed to be in the market for a new left-back, the youngster is expected to stay at Stamford Bridge in any event.

Lambert is making progress with other transfer targets, although it is also understood there is no substance in continuing rumours from France that Rennes attacking midfielder Yacine Brahimi is poised to join Villa.

I'm fully in agreement with everything Lambert says above. Can't think of many clubs in the league who have a better second-choice (at the moment) goalkeeper.

[philthebar]

 almost agree Dave - I think he should be our first choice 

[The Left Side]

Nice one!

[Chipsticks]

Lambert saying all the right things again. Good news!

[itbrvilla]

Will this make Given uneaasy or keep him on his toes??

[Monty]

I thought Guzan was exceptionally unlucky to lose his place. He commanded his area better, his distribution was quicker and more accurate and he got himself into good enough positions that he didn't have to make the spectacular saves that Given does. So even though Given is the superior reaction-maker and shot-stopper, I'd have had Guzan in overall.

[ExclDawg]

I'm not sure there is a better penalty stopper in the world than Guzan.

[Monty]

I'm not sure there is a better penalty stopper in the world than Guzan.

That's also true. If we keep Richard Dunne that'll come in handy.

[TheSandman]

A positive move. We need a very good number two.

I remember John E saying that he felt that Given may start the season as number one goalie, but Guzan would be the one who finishes the season there and this is something I agree with.

[villasjf]

I agree with most of all the above comments, its not good to have someone know they are No 1 full stop. Guzan came in and the defence looked more settled with him between the sticks. Given needs to be kept on his toes. His performances in the Euros will not look good on his CV.

[Toronto Villa]

I'm not sure there is a better penalty stopper in the world than Guzan.

That's some statement.

[PaulTheVillan]

Guzan did well in the games he played last season, but I think Given justified coming back into the team.

[Chipsticks]

I'm not sure there is a better penalty stopper in the world than Guzan.

That's also true. If we keep Richard Dunne that'll come in handy.

Zing.

[villastikz]

I thought Guzan was exceptionally unlucky to lose his place. He commanded his area better, his distribution was quicker and more accurate and he got himself into good enough positions that he didn't have to make the spectacular saves that Given does. So even though Given is the superior reaction-maker and shot-stopper, I'd have had Guzan in overall.

Brad Guzan all the way for me over Given and Guzan wasn't unlucky, he wasn't even getting a look in as being no1, TSM clearly saw Given as no1 no matter if Guzan's form was better,which it was at the time as he had conceded 8 goals in the 6 starts he had whilst Given was out, Given in the 6 games before he was injured conceded 12 goals.

Lambert must of reassured Guzan that won't be the case anymore and the best player will play and that was the key factor in Guzan not originally extending his contract with us whilst TSM was still in charge, he clearly wants to stay at the club or he wouldn't of re-signed but he knew he wouldn't get equal opportunity to stake a claim to no1 spot whilst the TSM was still calling the shots.

Every time I hear it mentioned about Givens shot stopping ability when people are trying to defend him, it just reminds me how if he actually dealt with the crosses and corners in the first place he wouldn't have to rely on trying to save the shot from the cross or corner he didn't bother catching or clearing that an opponent then shoots from.

It's like saying a mop cleans up an overflowing tap adequately when it would make more sense to turn the tap off before you need to mop the spill up.

[Monty]

I'm not sure there is a better penalty stopper in the world than Guzan.

That's also true. If we keep Richard Dunne that'll come in handy.

Zing.

I'm here all week.

It's like saying a mop cleans up an overflowing tap adequately when it would make more sense to turn the tap off before you need to mop the spill up.

Nice analogy. I also like Wenger's where he says that, if you want to stop food getting to a table in a restaurant, is it best to stop the waiter on his way with the food, to stop the waiter getting the food in the first place or the chef from cooking? Seems pretty obvious that way.