Keepers' union

I was told in no uncertain terms by American football coaches and Baseball coaches that I would amount to absolutely nothing if I stuck to playing soccer. 'You're an idiot for doing it'.

Brad Friedel
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• Blackburn Rovers

Brad Friedel told Goals On Sunday that his rivalry with Kasey Keller has spurred them both on to be successful in England.

The American stopper has been one of the Premier Leagues most consistent goalkeepers for the last five seasons with Blackburn.

His rival for the US Number 1 jersey came over to England before him and set the trend for the likes of Friedel and Tim Howard to become successful in the Premier League.

And the former Liverpool player told Goals On Sunday that they had to come to Europe in search of fame, against the odds.

Friedel told Goals On Sunday: "Our rivalry dates back to 1989. Kasey played at Portland and me at UCLA, both on the West coast, and I played in the Olympic team in 92 and he was fortunate to play in 96.

"He was able to get his work permit before me over here and then it took me five years to get it but we've had a friendly rivalry since.

"It has been healthy for both of us, when you have competition it keeps you on your toes.

"When we were coming up there was no professional league in the States, we came over to Europe and you become better when you play in Europe."

Friedel says he came over to ply his trade in Europe despite many coaches warning him against it.

"It's good that the MLS is there now but it is a lower standard. But we were able to come over here and play amongst the best and learn the industry and it helped us immensely.

"When we were growing up you play If you get into university, if you didn't get in then give up and play another sport. That was it.

"Then there was a couple of us that were lucky enough to get into the national team programme and then you could carry on.

"I was told in no uncertain terms by American football coaches and Baseball coaches that I would amount to absolutely nothing if I stuck to playing soccer. You're an idiot for doing it.

"Now I get to go back and say 'hey look, it worked out!'

"Although America has done well on the world scene recently and quite a few players have come over but from 330 something million people in the country there must be only 15 players who have really made in with long-term careers on the world scene so it is difficult.

Friedel has had another outstanding seasons between the posts at Ewood Park and he puts there success down to Mark Hughes's ability to attract goalscorers each year.

"Roque (Santa Cruz) has been absolutely fantastic this year, it seems every season Mark Hughes picks a rabbit out of the hat.

"Last year it was Benni McCarthy, the season before that it was Craig Bellamy, all 20plus goalscorers for us, they do a tremendous job for us scouting the players."