Can Guzan realistically challenge Given?
Now that Brad Guzan has officially signed a three year contract at the Villa, a lot of talk has begun regarding whether or not Guzan might realistically be our number one next season.
There are plenty of Guzan fans, and I certainly think he’s one of the very best number two goalkeepers in the Premiership. I believed he’d be off this summer, and he certainly has the talent to start for a good enough club (maybe Championship, a few Premiership sides) so for me it is a bit of a surprise to see him back at Villa Park, albeit a welcome one.
Lambert has spoken on the subject, and perhaps he has had a word with Guzan, and assured him that if he does perform well, he has a real chance of being our number one on a more permanent basis. Last season must have been tough for the player, after McLeish basically said that whatever happens Given would always, bar injury, be the man between the sticks. I doubt Guzan would agree to come back if he had no chance whatsoever of being our number one if he performs well:
“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.”
Guzan did well when called upon last season, and has of course done well previously in various cup competitions. There are many who believe that Guzan should be our number one, and while I felt the right decision was made last season regarding Given taking his place back, this upcoming season brings up a new debate.
Given had a bit of a mare these past euros, though I feel a lot of that might have been due to an injury or two. This has only served to further support the argument of many of those in the pro Guzan camp though.
I really rate Guzan, but I’d still be very surprised if he starts the new campaign as our number one (barring injury). If he is then great, because in Lambert’s eyes he would have deserved it, but it would still be a bit of a shock personally speaking. Given is on a lot of money, and while the amount of wages paid shouldn’t equal a guaranteed place, it still makes little sense to have him as our back-up keeper. Both keepers have their weaknesses, and it will be interesting to see how Given performs this season. If he does continue to struggle, then the calls for Guzan will only increase.
Where do you all stand? Do you think Guzan can realistically challenge Given?
As per, feel free to let us know.
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Given’s physical size has always been an issue even though Mick McCarthy during his time as Ireland manager is supposed to have defended him saying he was bigger than he looked. I was gobsmacked by his agility and reaction saves on many occasions and he certainly got us those special extra points that got us to a goal difference rescue last season.
Trouble is I think Given can be blocked and physically bullied at corners, free kicks and long throw ins (Stoke Stylii). He reminds me of ManUre’s Spanish goalie but with battle hardened experience. You’ve also got to throw in a suspect injury record.
I always did the posy flying goalie saves (Colin Withers anyone?)as a kid and that’s always how I’ve seen my goalkeepers. I’m afraid that doesn’t cut it in this league. I want a monster in my goal and someone who will bully and clatter the opposition. Someone who is big enough not to worry too much about his angles or getting his hand or fist to the ball.
I reckon that Guzan just needs the trust of his manager and a run of games to cut out the dozy mistakes. Lets face it, he’s got several more years in him over Given and could easily grow up to be a big Brad. Much as Given is my image of an old time goalie, I think it would be good business to cash in on him if Sparkie Mark still fancies him. Maybe Big Sam could fancy him.
Forgot to say that Guzan reminds me of Nigel Spink. How many solid years did he give us?
Spot on could not agree more. Given has always been a goaline keeper relying on his fantastic reflexes to pull off stupendous saves. However as he gets older the reflexes are now getting that much slower, hence the “nightmares” from crosses into the box.
It is no surprise that as a team I believe we let in more goals scored from within the six yard box than any other EPL team last season. The six yard box must be the keeper’s domain, with Given it is not, but when Guzan played mid season we looked better – why, because he comes off his line.
IMO Guzan will be our No1 keeper by the end of the season, it is unfortunate that McClueless agree a 5 year contract for a 35 year old!!
Fantasic news. When we first signed him from Chivas, I was overjoyed that we had a superstar keeper.
It hasn’t quite worked out like that. His hair has grown thinner, his experience wider (but only just) and his confidence shallower. What Lambert must do is make him believe in himself. Like Lambert did with John Ruddy. Guzan needs to have the aggression of a 280ib bear in the box.
The key will be confidence. Is Guzan of the view that he’s good enough? If so, this is a waste of time. If Guzan has something to prove and that by doubling his efforts he can be the world #1 then we have a great signing.
I’ve never been mad keen on Given.
He’s a decent goalie, but nothing special, imo.
Guzan should never have dropped after his decent performances and that must have left him wondering what he has to do to be in with a shout. Another shocking decision from the then manager.
I’d happily play him ahead of Given, because he’s the future.