A gifted shot-stopper Friedel is also a commanding figure when claiming crosses into the box and his distribution either from his hands or his boot is always exemplary.
Beginning his career at Galatasaray after failing to get a British work permit, the American returned to his homeland and won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 1997 with Columbus Crew before he was finally allowed to move to England.
However, he endured a torrid time on joining Liverpool in December 1997 - looking nothing like the safe pair of hands he was billed as.
His career with the Reds was effectively over at the start of the 1999/00 season when Gerard Houllier signed Dutch keeper Sander Westerveld.
Former Liverpool boss Graeme Souness, whom Friedel played under at Galatasaray, recognised his talent and snapped him up on a free transfer in November 2000.
He soon became Rovers' number one - and won many plaudits for a series of fine displays at the 2002 World Cup with the USA.
Some feel the 2002/03 campaign was the best of his career as he topped many polls for 'goalkeeper of the season'. In fact, he was in the Premiership Team of the Season after recording 15 clean sheets.
He continued his rise from the 2004/05 season onwards and was an ever-present in the Blackburn first XI. Rovers' longest serving player Friedel decided to move to Aston Villa in 2008, seeking a new challenge and wanting to test himself in Europe.
A consistent performer Friedel brings valuable experience to the squad and despite his advancing years he remains as agile as ever.
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