[Tejas]

It's hard not to respect Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller and all they have done for the Nats, but after watching Tim Howard in several games this season I think an argument can now be made that Tim is beginning to equal them if not surpass them in skill. I know the EPL vs MLS quality arguments will be thrown about, but not only do I think that Tim is ready for Nat duty, but he could start and excel in most premier league teams given his current level of play. Thoughts?

[bert patenaude]

Superior shot stopper. I just worry about his positioning and ability to distribute out of the back. Experience should cure these problems.

[Tejas]

Originally posted by bert patenaude
Superior shot stopper. I just worry about his positioning and ability to distribute out of the back. Experience should cure these problems.

Agreed Bert.

I was trying to think of something to knock him on to temper my opinion, but its really hard to get past his shot stopping skills. I honestly haven't watched him on distribution, so he might fall short of Brad in that respect.

[Popero]

Originally posted by bert patenaude
Superior shot stopper. I just worry about his positioning and ability to distribute out of the back. Experience should cure these problems.

Spot on.

[bert patenaude]

Originally posted by Tejas

I honestly haven't watched him on distribution, so he might fall short of Brad in that respect.

Watch a tape of tonight's game against the Burn. He often turned the ball over after making a save. He needs to calm the team down better after pressure is applied. But he's young and he'll get better.

[kickin365]

All true. He may be better than Brad and Kasey were at 25, or however old he is now. The Metros certainly leave him for dead on many occasions every game- seems to has helped his ability to make unbelievable saves.

[Bajoro]

How is he with the ball at his feet, under pressure?

I'll never forget that goal Keller gave the Tricolores in qualifying... was it '97?

[Jacen McCullough]

Originally posted by kickin365
All true. He may be better than Brad and Kasey were at 25, or however old he is now.

Howard is 23 years old. He was born in March of 1979. When you consider that Keepers usually hit their prime around 28-30, Howard's current level is even more impressive. With that being said, even as a huge Tim Howard fan, I don't think it's right to say he's better than Keller or Friedal right now based on his great performances in MLS. Yes, Howard carries his team. Keller and Friedal do the same thing, in one of the top leagues in the world. Howard will get to and hopefully surpass the level of the other two, but he's only 23. Give it time.

JMac

[tame1999]

If Howard peaks at 28, that would be sick. He's a monster in the net and a legitimate form of intimidation to anyone else on the field. Plus he has the agility to make amazing saves. Work on the distribution/patience and get some USNT experience and I think he'll rip it up in for years to come.

[nobody]

Howard should, and will, get some games for the US over the next few years. Whether or not he is able to supplant Brad and Kasey by 2006 is debateable. Remember, both will still be in their mid-thirties, likely still playing regualrly in top leagues. I wouldn't be surprised to see both of them still firmly in the picture in 2006 as they are not likely to suffer much if any deterioration by then.

I expect Howard to make the squad and fight for time, but unless he improves his mental game, which takes time and experience as everybody is saying, he's not going to be ready to knock off guys of the quality we already have. There are a whole lot of older goalies out there still going strong. They just don't need the young legs that players who run around all day need.

And, I hate to say it, but without going to Europe soon so that he can actually get playing time for a couple years before the cup, I don't like his chances of getting a lot of meaningful playing time until 2010.