As you all know I am a big fan of him and do feel some people judge him totally different to how they judge other players. Maybe being a keeper that should happen, but I think some of the criticism has been a bit over the top, like blaming the Van-Persie goal on him when Arsenal equalised.
Just like at United it is hard to follow in the footsteps of Schmeichel, who I still feel has not been and probably never will be replaced by anyone better. It will be just as hard at Goodison Park too as Southall was a fantastic goalkeeper, a world class keeper too. Both these keepers earned their reputation over time and the fans, quite rightly too, treat them with legendary reputation. I like Howard a lot, but never will he be as good as Southall.
But I will take Howards record this season over VDS, Almunia, Cech and to some extent Reina too. Your looking at keepers who are playing behind good defences, yet there are still a lot of keeping errors happening. Just as them teams Howard as well is playing behind a solid defence yet I feel he has made far less errors than any of the top four keepers by quite a distance too. Some may dissagree though.
When Howard was signed by United I never saw him and Carrol as a long term future of United. I think taking the move to Everton has helped him regain confidence. Playing regular in goal is very important and really helps your form (which will dip from time to time like any player). I think Tim has found his level outside the top four and has really grown into the number 1 spot, and will only get better with time. I do not think his contribution to the sides success can be ignored either.
I have not seen him play much for the National side, but he is very highly regarded and thought of as a leader and stand out performer. Just wondered what the US guy's thought of him on that front?
