5 questions with U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan

He was the MLS goalkeeper of the year in 2007, which prompted Aston Villa of the English Premier League to agree to a transfer fee for the keeper in 2008. Guzan is the back-up for Tim Howard on the U.S. team and for former National Team goalkeeper Brad Friedel with his club team. Deseret News reporter Michael Black spent some time with the Chicago native following a training session in Park City to find out how the young netminder is doing on both stages.

Question: What was the allure of playing over in Europe?

Answer: Obviously it is because of the best players in the world. You look at NBA players and basketball players all want to come to the U.S. to play in the NBA. Baseball players all want to play in MLB. Soccer players all want to play in Europe whether it is La Liga (Spain), France, Germany, England, Italy, doesn't matter, those are the best leagues in the world and, as a competitor, as an athlete, you want to play against the best in the world. When that chance came for me, I was excited to jump on it.

Question: Why did you choose Aston Villa of the EPL?

Answer: For me, it was a perfect opportunity to go to a big club that was all about winning. They are an established team over there and showed the most interest in bringing me in. It was a little tough after getting denied the first time (Guzan had his work visa denied in January of 2008 before Villa tried once again and had it go through in June of 2008), but they really showed me how much they wanted me there when they kept at it. They were ambitious, and it has been a great opportunity for me.

Question: How has playing in the EPL helped you for your time with the National Team?

Answer: It's been massive. I'm not playing as much as I would like over there, but at the same time, training day-in and day-out with those guys (international players from all over the world), English internationals, Bulgarian internationals and international players from all over the world — you train with them every day and you are naturally going to get better. For me, being able to take that and then transition to come over there and be with these guys (U.S.), you just pick up little things and can bring it with you. Compare that to being in the MLS, and there just isn't the same type of experience over here. Coming to National Team camp, you would have to just get your feet wet and keep going, but when you come from over for camp from being in Europe, you can hit the ground running and just build on it because you have already been playing at that type of level.

Question: How much have you learned from playing with Brad Friedel?