Kasey Keller talks exclusively to William Hill

Former Spurs, Leicester City, Millwall and United States of America Men’s Goalkeeper Kasey Keller spoke exclusively to William Hill Vegas. Kasey shared his views on the current performances of Spurs and Leicester City, his experiences as a number one and number two Goal Keeper, plus the status of the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino.

Let’s start with Tottenham. Huge, huge question marks over Ange. Is he still the right man?

Kasey: You can’t keep chopping and changing managers. It was only a few weeks ago that Spurs won 4-0 at Manchester City with a brilliant performance and last season Spurs started the season very well until several injuries happened. Also, the style of football has been applauded over Ange’s first season. Right now, the inconsistency has been an issue, Spurs still suffer from injuries and replacements aren’t the same. You also must look at the spending power of others in the League and Spurs had overachieved for years when others were spending more. Ange has a philosophy, and you can say he has to adjust this at times during games as two games this season Spurs have been 2-0 up and then going onto lose. He has to be given time and to also invest in the squad.

Premier league odds

 Many clubs, including one of your old sides Leicester, have won trophies over the past 15 years. Why haven’t Tottenham?

Kasey: Spurs have been close under Pochettino, but in recent years Spurs haven’t been in the mix for trophies. It does come down to investment in the team and Spurs have built a new stadium in recent years, one of the best in the country. They need to be given the tools now to compete by looking to recruit better players, a deeper squad of quality, so they can compete for trophies with these top teams. You do also need some luck along the way, but Spurs have the foundations to compete.

Postecoglou is known for his attacking football, which can leave the side exposed at the back. How is it as a goalkeeper playing in that sort of system, can it be frustrating to be held accountable for conceding lots of goals?

Kasey: You can get kept busy that is for sure. But it does have its benefits as you look at Spurs 4-0 win over Manchester City. When it goes right, it’s brilliant. But Ange does have to adjust during matches otherwise it will be difficult for Spurs to put a good run of form together. The inconsistencies they are showing is a cause for some concern, because on their day Spurs have the fire power to be excellent. As a goalkeeper it can be alarming to concede so many chances, the aim is for the team to not do this, but you are there to stop the shots and be on hand to make saves. With injuries to some key defenders, this is tough to build up a head of steam as the centre back pairings are so important. Full backs are also key and Porro and Udogie were excellent last season, and Spurs need to get back to the form where they aren’t conceding too many chances a game.

Kasey, you had his own battles for the number one spot at Spurs. Will Fraser Foster be thinking he can keep Vicario out the team when he returns from injury, despite criticism over his performances? Or will those comments have got to him?

Kasey: Yes, I did. Neil Sullivan and I were battling out for number one spot at Spurs and then I managed to be the number one choice. It’s hard as a goalkeeper, you have to be strong minded, you have to be mentally strong and keep working hard. But most of all, when you take your chance, this is the key. To perform on the pitch is when it really matters most. Paul Robinson came in at Spurs and took the number 1 spot and I had to deal with this. Fraser Forster has to concentrate on his game and Ange has to play a way that suits Forster when it comes to playing out from the back. You must play to the players strengths you have on the pitch, to enable them to play with confidence and be at their best. Forster has a chance now and he should look to be confident as he is playing for one of the biggest teams in the country. He must blank out any criticism and play his game. What can help is at the other end of the pitch that the team score a few goals. 

Perhaps Daniel Levy is the problem? Would you say its right to scrutinise him or does everything he’s done off the pitch justify keeping him?

Kasey: You must have the right mindset as a Club, and some can argue Spurs have just not invested right when it matters. Under Pochettino, he was overachieving and over performing with the squad he had, regular top 4 finishes, Champions League finalists, this was the time to build and push on with adding more quality and keeping those top players. You are not going to be able to buy a new Harry Kane, you must look to buy a striker who can fit into the managers way of playing and build a team of players that all fit into the same way of playing. But you must adapt. I had many dealing with Daniel when I was at Spurs. He is a good businessman, you look what he has done for Spurs and off the pitch, the Stadium is incredible. It’s now time to really invest, back the Manager to improve the squad.

 Let’s move onto Leicester. What do you make of Ruud van Nistelrooy so far and is he the right pick for the job in the long run?

Kasey: It’s a great start to life under van Nistelrooy for Leicester. They seem to be playing on the front foot and look energised. It’s going to be very difficult to stay in the Premier League, but you have players who have experience in the League, so this is a big plus. The squad is light, so you must look to stay lucky with injuries and keep your best players on the pitch for as long as possible and you have every chance. Now is the time to keep picking up points, when confidence is high, and the team believe they can compete in every game. He is the man in charge now and the aim is to stay in the League.

Jamie Vardy still going strong. Does he get enough respect? And is he good enough to keep Leicester up?

Kasey: What Jamie has done for Leicester City is outstanding. To still be able to perform in the Premier League like he does is brilliant. Playing striker is a tough position and to get players who can regularly score in the Premier League is tough for many teams. Jamie Vardy continues to score in the Premier League, and this is something where he should get more respect. Last year in the Championship must have been tough, so many games, but Vardy continued to perform and help Leicester get promoted and now back in the Premier League, he is still scoring which is great for him and the Club.

It recently emerged Dan Ashworth had Marco Silva, Fulham, on his radar to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd. Does Silva have the credentials to manage a top side?

Kasey: Yes, he does. I like Marco Silva a lot. He is doing a great job at Fulham. Sometimes a club just fits, and Marco is performing superbly at Fulham, firstly losing Mitrovic and then Paulinha, he has brought together a competitive squad with good players and those he can work well with. Fulham are reaping the benefits of a good strategy of recruitment and trust I the Manager and the team he has around him. Fulham are growing in confidence and Marco has been able to get his vision across over a few years now and definitely one of the success stories.

Kasey, you only had a short time at Fulham but the Cottagers now have USA international Antonee Robinson in their side. He’s been long linked with a big money move to Liverpool or Chelsea – what is so impressive about the defender and does he warrant the £40 million price tag?

Kasey; Antonee is top full back. He has been excellent for Fulham, very consistent and this is great to see. He had Tim Ream with him for many years, but now he has different centre backs, but he is playing even better this season. Marco Silva is giving him lots of confidence to express himself and he is clearly enjoying his football. He played well in the World Cup for USA and is a key figure as the USMNT look to plan for the world cup next year. He hasn’t let any rumours of interest get to his head and interfere with his performances. He has good experience of playing in the Premier League now and with the style of play Fulham are showing right now, he can only improve further. What is so impressive is his calm and coolness on the ball, his confidence in his own ability and also concentration. You rarely see him at fault for goals or being done for pace. He also impressed me when he came up against Saka from Arsenal. This was a big test and he dealt with that well.