EXCLUSIVE: Friedel on USA hosting the World Cup and Spurs' rebuild under De Zerbi

The summer transfer window is well underway, with several teams making big money moves during the first month as they try to navigate snapping up players who are currently representing their country in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Tottenham are just one of those sides, as manager Roberto De Zerbi has already welcomed in the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and, reportedly, Mateus Fernandes for around £85M.

Friedel spoke exclusively with Tribal Football via William Hill - Final One Standing about how De Zerbi is constructing a side that players cannot ignore, after their disastrous season last year.

De Zerbi building something special at Tottenham

How do you feel about the Tottenham rebuild under De Zerbi? Are they building a side worthy of Europe?

"I like what I am seeing from Tottenham right now. It’s good to get signings in nice and early and to rebuild with quality. Defensively, Spurs have had injuries, so signing Van Hecke from Brighton is a very good signing by De Zerbi.

"Premier League experience, he can do well at Tottenham. I also like the fact Tottenham are looking at (Sandro) Tonali; he is a top midfielder who can do well at Tottenham.

"Andy Robertson is an experienced full-back who can give excellent leadership at Tottenham, so as well as on the pitch, off the pitch, he can be very important. So, so far, this is looking like a promising transfer window for Spurs and important they continue to build and then, yes, build a squad capable of qualifying for Europe."

Why do you think so many players are keen to join Tottenham after they were nearly relegated?

"Tottenham have one of the best stadiums in Europe, London is a great location, and their facilities in the training ground are outstanding. They are a huge club off the pitch, and although the last few seasons they have struggled on the pitch, they still offer a great place to play football in the Premier League.

"With De Zerbi now in charge, they are looking to really build positively and not finish just above the relegation zone. They know they need to compete with wages, and I believe there is going to be a change to pay higher wages to be able to compete and attract more players."

Why would Rogers leave Aston Villa?

Going from North London to North Birmingham, Friedel opened up on Aston Villa and their remarkable evolution under manager Unai Emery.

Last season saw the side not only grab a Champions League spot but also lift the Europa League trophy as they beat SC Freiburg 3-0 in the final.

Friedel is thoroughly impressed by the success under Emery and can't think of why any player would ponder leaving.

Villa are back in the Champions League next season, what are your thoughts on the successful project under Unai Emery?

"It’s outstanding. Unai Emery has proven his quality as one of the best coaches. He has done a brilliant job at Aston Villa. To compete with the big boys and qualify for the Champions League again is a brilliant achievement.

"Think where Villa were not many years ago, in the Championship, then now competing at the top of the Premier League, playing in the Champions League, winning the Europa League. He has bought well and brought through good young players in Rogers and also created a competitive culture within the squad."

How crucial is it that Villa hang on to Morgan Rogers amid interest from Premier League rivals?

"You would ask the question why Rogers would want to leave with Aston Villa in the Champions League and being one of the key players in the team. This is the perfect position to be in to continue to learn and grow as a player. He is the main man at Villa and still has lots to learn, but is proving to be one of the good young players in the League.

"But, when looking at FFP, if Aston Villa get a really big offer, this can help them with this and then look to recruit in his position and given Emery’s track record, you would expect him to recruit another top player. So it is crucial they hang onto their top players as Emery would have a desire to challenge for the title."

World Cup has brought people together

Lastly, Friedel, who is the fourth-most capped goalkeeper in US national team history and featured at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, commented on this summer's spectacle.

Social media has been packed with posts from people from all cultures and backgrounds loving the hospitality shown across every host country in a tournament that so far has shown off the best of humanity.

Friedel admitted he is loving the competition and believes that Americans have especially welcomed the World Cup and those visiting to represent their country far from home.

How happy are you seeing Americans embrace the World Cup?

"It’s great. I have been to quite a few games and the atmosphere has been excellent. Every city, the fans are embracing it and the stadiums are full. Each fan base is welcomed with open arms by the locals; there is no trouble, and everyone is having a great time.

"The stadiums are excellent, there have been no issues, and with the US team playing well, topping the group and qualifying, this also helps the Americans gain further excitement.

"The Americans I talk to are really engaged with the World Cup; they are enjoying seeing all the teams come into their city and be so friendly. I believe we’re putting on an excellent show so far and looking forward to the remainder of the competition."  

Hosting a World Cup comes with a lot of pressure, do you think the US have done a good job so far?

"Absolutely yes. Stadiums have been full. So many friendships made as countries' fans occupy cities and enjoy embracing each other's cultures. We’ve seen Scotland enjoy Boston and the locals enjoy having the Scots in town. We’ve seen Norway and their fans enjoy travelling around the country. The noise at the stadiums has been excellent, so much fun and music around the game.

"I believe everyone is having a brilliant experience in the US, Canada and Mexico. No trouble at all and it’s a positive experience for everyone. The games I have been at have been full of energy, including Scotland v Morocco, Norway v Iraq and France v Norway. So yes, pressure pre-tournament, but a good job so far with so many embracing the World Cup being in the US."