Spurs and ex-USA ‘keeper Friedel answers questions from UAE football fans

Sport360 staff 18:58 22/10/2014
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  • Legend: Brad Friedel played in four Premier League sides.

    Sport360 gave UAE readers and Elite Football Academy goalkeepers the chance to ask Tottenham Hotspur shot-stopper Brad Friedel questions about the position he mastered.

    The former USA international is one of the best in the business to have played in the English Premier League.

    Friedel's career has spanned 17 years and in that time he has featured for some of the most prestigious clubs in Europe such as Liverpool and Galatasaray. 

    Here Friedel answers a wide range of questions from his superstitions to some of the most feared opponents he has come up against.

    Who had the most powerful shot out of all the strikers you faced? Kristian K (Under-14s) 

    If I had to name one, it would be [former Liverpool and Portsmouth winger] Patrik Berger – his shot was ridiculously hard.

     Is goalkeeping the most difficult position to learn and what is the most important character trait for a 'keeper? Jack D (Under-12s) 

    I don’t think it’s the most difficult position to learn, if you want to be a goalkeeper I think it’s similar to if you want to be a striker, midfielder or defender. The most important character trait is that you want to actually be hit with a ball. I don’t know if you call it bravery or determination.

    As a goalkeeper are you a fan of goal-line technology? Tom B (Under-12s)

    100% in favour of goal line technology.

    Did you have any pre/during or post match rituals or superstitions? Charlie O (Under-16)

    I use to be very superstitious but as the years go on I don’t think I have a superstition anymore. I was speaking to [ex-Arsenal defender turned pundit] Martin Keown recently and his superstition was that he wasn’t allowed to have any superstitions. 

    Who is the most talented team-mate you have played alongside? Andrew Nolan

    Gheorghe Hagi [they played together at Galatasaray].

    What is your best/favourite game in a Spurs shirt? Raad Jaboori Al-Shaikh 

    The atmosphere after we beat Arsenal in my first season at White Hart Lane. When you win a derby it is massively important. That was a good day for us.

    Any plans after retirement? Basil Hindash

    I have completed my licence so I may go into coaching or media work. I have also had some offers to go on boards of clubs. I will still be involved in football.

    What's your best advice for young goalkeepers who are 18-19 years old? Roy Ahmar

    My best advice is to train and train hard and play as much as you can, but do it with a smile on your face. If you’re not enjoying it, you should ask yourself whether you are doing the right thing.

    Did you get nervous when you played against big clubs? Sahil Chopra

    When I was younger, I got nervous but I was never anxious. You learn how to control your nerves from a young age. Once you warm-up, your nerves evaporate and you become excited for the game. The more experience you get, the less nervous you get. Being relaxed is one of my character traits.

    Brad Friedel was speaking as he took part in the City Index Celebrity Traders Challenge

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