SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
As we saw against Tottenham, Vicente Guaita is one incredible goalkeeper who Crystal Palace are lucky to have.
The Spaniard dazzled the 2,000 fans inside Selhurst Park with some phenomenal reflex saves, while his fingertip stop to deny Eric Dier’s freekick was jaw-dropping.
However, the former Getafe glovesman will turn 34 in less than a month.
Admittedly, goalkeepers can go on longer than outfield players. Having said that, there will be a time when Guaita gets too old, or leaves the club.
In that respect, the Eagles have already acted on this impending problem with the shrewd £1 million signing of Jack Butland back in mid-October.
The former Birmingham shot-stopper has international pedigree with England, and crucially, he is six years younger than Guaita.
By signing the glovesman from Stoke, Roy Hodgson effectively secured a replacement for the Spaniard ahead of time.
While Butland waits for an opportunity, or for Guaita to either retire or leave, he can learn from the hugely reliable Spaniard.
It’s a win-win situation for the south Londoners.
If the Eagles had chosen to pursue a replacement after Guaita had left, clubs would be aware of their desperation which could’ve potentially affected Palace’s negotiating stance.
However, Hodgson and co. have prepared themselves well for the inevitable problem that will arise in a few years.
