Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan tipped for the top

Villa keeper Brad Guzan was today backed to be one of the best keepers in the Premier League for years to come.

moreThe 28-year-old shotstopper was a hugely impressive figure for Paul Lambert's side last season, playing in all but two of the 38 Premier League games to win the club's Player of the Year award after being released then offered a new deal.

And his mentor Brad Friedel, who kept Guzan out of the Villa team but is now at Tottenham, believes his fellow American will be one of the best in the top flight in the coming seasons.

"Brad can be as good as anyone in the Premier League," said the evergreen 42-year-old, who made 114 league appearances for Villa.

"He has a phenomenal work ethic, he's a big, strong boy and he is six foot two inches tall.

"And let's not forget he had the season he did after Shay Given, who has been one of the best Premier League keepers, was dislodged by Brad."