AVB is right to persist with Friedel (Video)

Tottenham Hotspur completed one of the swoop’s of the transfer window on deadline day, that of the acquisition of Hugo Lloris from Ligue 1 giants Lyon. The France captain completed his move to White Hart Lane last week; with many hoping head coach Andre Villas-Boas will instil him as Spurs’ number one at the expense of Brad Friedel.

 The 41-year-old recently played his 307^th consecutive Premier League during the club’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City and if it wasn’t for the former Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa ace, it could’ve been worse. Friedel rewound the years to pull off a number of spectacular saves to keep his side in the game.

After the game, Villas-Boas confirmed that Lloris will have to work hard if he is to become the new Spurs number one, hinting that he is likely to persist with Friedel between the sticks, which, to be fair to the 34-year-old, he is right to do. Not just from a sentimental point of view, but Friedel showcased why he deserves to retain his in goal.

Lloris, as good as he is, is coming into a new league, more demanding than what he is used to in his native France. It could be a similar situation to that of David De Gea of Manchester United last season, who came in but suffered at the beginning of the previous campaign. Persisting with Friedel would not only allow Lloris to accustom himself to the rigours of English life, but also wouldn’t break-up a back-line that desperately needs leadership at this time of need.

Yes, Lloris is the type of keeper to match Villas-Boas’ system – sweeper-keeper who isn’t uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. But, like any player, will need time to acclimatise to his new surroundings and throwing him in the deep end, no matter how good he is, could have a serious psychological effect on the player, especially on a goalkeeper who can’t hide from his mistakes.