Cesar: I'll Solve Spurs' Keeper Crisis

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Heurelho Gomes (PA)

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Goalkeeping has become a major problem for Tottenham Hotspur as current keeper Heurelho Gomes has looked shaky all season, and his awful howler at Craven Cottage on Saturday, when he basically threw the ball into the net on Fulham's behalf, has brought matters to a head.

It is no secret that manager Harry Redknapp is looking to replace Gomes. Despite publicly backing the Brazilian in the wake of Saturday's game, Redknapp knows at the moment that it's unlikely he will be able to sign a replacement keeper before the transfer window reopens in January.

Gomes used to turn in splendid displays while playing in the more sedate surroundings of the Dutch Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, but he has struggled to cope with the more physical nature of the English game.

The Brazilian struggles to command his area and is hopeless under the high ball. His indecision and seeming lack of physical strength have undermined the confidence of Tottenham's back four and Spurs fans are worried as to how quickly a solution can be found.

One man who is convinced the solution lies within the club is Spurs' reserve keeper Cesar Sanchez, the man signed as back-up from Real Zaragoza in the summer.

"I am here as a solution for the coach," the veteran, who had a spell at Real Madrid between 2000 and 2005, said today.
"Whether I play or not, I am not going to change. I will keep a smile on my face and be focused on my club duty. But, of course, I like to play."

Sanchez has won one international cap for Spain, playing in a friendly against Germany in August 2000.Harry Redknapp has also recalled young goalkeeper Ben Alnwick from his loan spell at Carlisle United.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com