Question for everyone. We keep talking that we're fine at goalkeeper, even blessed with an overabundance of talent at that position. We talk about Keller and Friedel fighting it out with Howard for spots on the 2006 team in Germany.... but I'm starting to be a little cautious... Keller and Howard aren't starting right now. I assume Howard will be starting again, if not with ManU then with someone by then. I also assume that come 2006 Keller will be in MLS to finish out his career. My insecurity comes from ages. Keller will be 35 in November, and will be 36 when the next world cup comes around. Not ancient for a keeper, but it's getting there. Am I the only one that has concerns that he'll be a bit past it when the next World Cup arrives. Friedel is 1.5 years younger, and will have just turned 35 for WC2006. Again, that's starting to get up there... but the advantage he has is I expect he'll still be starting in the Premier League come 2006. Are I fooling myself to think that Keller in particular, and Friedel will be ready in 2006? I'm tryign to think of past keepers that played in the World Cup well into their 30s... can anyone help me?
oliver kahn started for germany at the euros and he is what 33 or 34? kasey seems to be on the decline now, but friedel is still at the top of his game, and timmy is 25 and should only get better.
We'll be fine. I'd be fine with Friedel or Keller in the nets for 2006. Other keepers that have played well beyond their mid 30's, and have been successful, include Kahn for Germany Zoff for Italy Seaman for England Banks for England Schmeichel for United and Denmark How old was Meola during qualifying for 1998?? Pat Jennings played for years and years and years. Yashin used a cane in his final years for the USSR. It was very effective knocking away high crossed that no other keeper could even get to. I'm sure ther are more, as that's just off the top of my head. Without doing any research, I'd bet there are very few nations who have two keepers with significant experience in one of the world's top leagues, (EPL, Spain), and both keepers have a World Cup under their belts as a starter. Throw in Howard to the mix, and well, we will be fine. I'd even imagine either Friedel or Keller as a third keeper in 2010, with Howard the starter. Kasey will be 40 then? and Brad will be what, 38? Keepers can play forever.
I don't see how Kasey is on the decline. He's not playing at Tottenham but that's because they bought Paul Robinson.
Ok, we're getting a little crazy here. Yahin and Schmeichel? Yes they played at a ripe old age... but has Kasey Keller ever reached the peaks these did? We're talking about 2 of the best keepers ever... Oliver Kahn is the same age as Kasey Keller... so he's not a good example of players playing late into his 30s... because he's not there yet either. Will Kahn be playing in 2006? Possibly, but once again, at his peak, Kahn was better than Kasey. Tony Meola? Again, same age as Kasey. He's been around forever because he was only 20/21 or so when he played in the World Cup in Italy. Seaman played because England has no one else. They are just now grooming a replacement in Robinson. With new talent hopefully continuing to shine... I severly hope neither Keller nor Friedel are on the team in 2010 (they'll be 40 and 39 respectively) And sorry Prk166... Keller is not playing at Tottenham, because Robinson is currently playing better than he is. And they bought Robinson because Keller was average at best last year. Point is... Kasey isn't young... and typically, rust sets in stronger as you increase in age.
Yes-yes. Did I say that Keller was better than Robinson? Nope. Did I say that Keller's form was better? Nope. I was simply pointing out that there is a difference between saying Keller is in decline, fallin' apart at the seems and ready for social security, and a squad bringing in one for the future. Only Leeds held onto Robinson long enough so that he's got some experience to back up the talent.
If you overlook EPL goalies, Team U.S.A. still in control. That one cat for Reading F.C. Mr. Cannon and Mr. Walker does not appeare badly for team. I not worry on issue. Sure goalie can make mistake or defense can lapse. Bottom line. For two goals concede. You still gotta net two.
The question was whether there have been other WC keepers who played to a ripe old age. Perhaps I came up with that group off the top of my head because they were so spectacular (at least most of them were.....) Who in their right mid would compare Keller to Yashin? Other than in age, or the fact that they are both human beings. I chose to include the two in a post about keeper ages... nothing more.
It is not fear to compare Yashin to any body, because by the time he was finishing his carrier he was pretty much running the show in USSR national team. It was his and only his call when he would retire from national team. By the way TM only 10 months older than KK.
You're right I did ask that... so it was right to list players. I guess what I was wondering more was... Does the fact that our 3 most dependable keepers will all be 35+ when the next World Cup rolls around. (over the years I'm counting Meola as #3). Meola's the oldest (DOB Feb 21, 1969), then Keller (DOB Nov 27, 1969) and baby Friedel (May 18, 1971). What worries me most is if we're looking to Keller as he's not only the oldest, but he's also not playing regularly. If he heads to MLS, I'm hoping he moves during the winter signing session so he's available for opening day. At some point, they will be done with the national team... maybe its not something I should worry about, but our keepers have always been something that "wasn't a problem" and all the sudden I have this little doubt in th eback of my head. oh well... thanks
Wahoo Don't worry... you can always subscribe to the theory that Freddy Adu will be the starting striker, and Donovan will be the best in the world by then, and don't forget about Nomar's and Mia's baby, who at only 6, will probably be good enough to start at center mid, thus negating the need for a keeper at all. Jeff Agoos will suddenly find his long lost pace, and will be banging in own goal GOLAZOS with the best of them. Winning the World Cup 10-9 will be fine with most American soccer fans.... finally the scoring all the non-soccer fans have been waiting for!! If that won't work, we can always put Kobe Bryant in goal. All kidding aside. I actually think we'll be fine by 2010. Any of a number of keepers (Countess, Walker, or some unknown kid in college right now) could become the next Howard, and move to a big club (But not AS big as Manchester United, to possibly get more playing time) and suddenly ease your pain..... And don't get too excited about Howard being out of favor in Manchester. Brad Friedel was never really given a chance to outplay David James at Liverpool, and when he did, he wasn't exactly stellar. Consequently, he played very little for two years or so. He then went to Turkey, if I recall correctly, which isn't exactly a top European League. I was thrilled to have a Yank at Liverpool, but he never really panned out for them. He turned out OK, and was the concensus best in the league for Blackburn two seasons ago. Howard will be fine, either in Manchester, or somewhere else. He's simply too skilled not to, and he has a good chance of starting in 2006, and definitely 2010.