The United States has a history of producing world-class goalkeepers.
Unfortunately for Brad Guzan and Nick Rimando, they’ve had to sit behind one of the world’s best, Tim Howard.
Now with America’s top keeper on a leave from national team duty, Guzan and Rimando will have their shot at the starting role.
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Jurgen Klinsmann told the media he plans on giving each keeper a full match as the United States takes on Ecuador on Friday and Honduras next Tuesday.
Both Guzan and Rimando are extremely capable of taking over the starting role for the United States. Guzan has enjoyed a great run at Aston Villa, where he was named the club’s Player of the Year after the 2012-13 season. He recently signed a four-year extension at Villa Park, and has established himself as a talent in the Premier League.
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Nick Rimando has played his entire career in the MLS, where he holds the league record for most clean sheets. The four-time MLS All-Star is known for his lightning quick reflexes, often making saves from point-blank range.
With two talented goalkeepers, you would have to give the edge to Guzan to be named the starter of the future. At 35 years old, Rimando’s availability moving forward could be just as questionable as Tim Howard’s.
Five years younger, Guzan is just the more logical choice for Klinsmann, but with Bill Hamid at third string and only 23 years old, there may be a new face in the competition as well.
