By James Nursey | 03/10/13 Brad Guzan's starring role in Aston Villa's victory over Man City provided plenty of entertainment in the press box.An exhilarating game reached its zenith when Guzan's expertly-taken quick goal-kick provided a direct assist for Andreas Weimann's winner in the 3-2 thriller.It prompted chuckles among the hacks following the timely debate last week over whether Paul Lambert's side play a 'long ball' game.But personally I was pleased, as it meant Villa's keeper getting further recognition for the vital role he plays in boss Paul Lambert's side.I believe Guzan is arguably THE driving force for Villa on and off the pitch.Yes, Christian Benteke rightly gets the headlines for his goals, but the big Belgian is actually a really quiet man.Dutch international Ron Vlaar, the established captain of the side of the pitch, is not a particularly loud individual either.But Guzan really talks the talk and walks the walk for Villa and has emerged as a huge figure on and off the pitch.We all know he is dependable in goal and his displays saw him crowned Villa's player of the year last season both from fans and his peers. They also helped deservedly earn him a new improved contract.But as well as his consistent heroics in goal - which he recently repeated against Norwich and Man City - the confident American is also a galvanising force in the dressing room.After the win at Carrow Road, where Guzan saved a penalty, boss Lambert praised Guzan as a "good person" as well as a brilliant keeper.In every dressing room you always need a big, popular figure to help get the lads fired up for a game and unite the squad.I believe Guzan is that figure and the big American is never shy to speak up to help encourage and motivate team-mates.You only have to interview him to appreciate that he is a genuine, committed team player who prioritises the side's success much more highly than personal plaudits.It is a vital, and sometimes rare, quality in the egotistical world of Premier League football.Guzan was at it again in midweek, when he selflessly turned up at the Villa golf day with four or so younger team-mates to chat with fans and pose for photographs.The 29-year-old is a credit to the club and himself and has played a huge role in helping create Villa's noticeable team spirit. You don't come from behind twice against Man City to win unless you have a decent atmosphere in your squad.It is fitting to recognise Guzan's contribution and progress this week ahead of Villa's trip to Hull. For just nearly two ago in January 2011, Guzan was loaned out to Hull in search of regular first team football.His future at Villa Park was in doubt as recently as summer 2012 with his contract up. But he returned last year and has since deservedly displaced Shay Given and has been a revelation since.It is great to see nice guys prosper. Villa supporters and players certainly seem to adore their very own all-American Brad.
If it was deliberate I don't want to see it again.When a keeper kicks it straight out its like giving away a foul throw to me.
That will be £50million please Arsene.
its amazing to think that just about any premier league team could have signed Guzan for free just over a year agohe's virtually priceless to us now
Quote from: john e on October 09, 2013, 06:11:40 PMits amazing to think that just about any premier league team could have signed Guzan for free just over a year agohe's virtually priceless to us nowI think it also unfortunately illustrates the crazy margins between success and failure in the professional football. How a manager making the bold step of having faith, belief and confidence in a player over a big name can make such a difference in a players career. Who knows where Guzan would be now were it not for Paul Lambert, it wouldn't be the Premier League though.