RYAN Nelsen has hailed Brad Friedel as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League following his latest five-star show against Manchester United.

Blackburn Rovers' tough-tackling skipper reckons Friedel is the best in the business, and has been for a number of years.

The imposing American, who turns 37 next month, kept United out almost single-handedly on Saturday, pulling off a string of top saves, particularly in the second half, to thwart Messrs Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez.

But rather than being surprised by Friedel's remarkable one-man display of defiance, Nelsen insists he and his team-mates have now come to expect that kind of performance from Rovers' number one, because they regard him as the most consistent stopper in the top-flight.

Nelsen said: "I think Brad is quite comfortably the best in the Premier League.

"Some of the saves he made against United were unbelievable. Two were just world class, and no other keeper would have made them.

"It's like he's got eight-foot arms and six-foot legs!"

It seems amazing now, given the way he has performed for Rovers over the last eight years, that Liverpool allowed Friedel to move to Ewood on a free transfer in November 2000.

Since then, Friedel, who clocked up his 183rd consecutive appearance at the weekend, has been a model of consistency, barely missing a game en route to establishing himself as one of the greatest servants in Rovers' history.

And Nelsen believes the former United States international is that good, it is remarkable Rovers have been able to keep him out of the clutches of the big four' for so long.

The Kiwi said: "Who am I to judge Brad Friedel? But I think he probably went to Liverpool too early in his career.

"If he'd been to a smaller club first and then later on went there, I think he would have had a fantastic career because he could play for any club in the world - he's that good.

"But I'm just so glad he's behind us, and he's a great professional as well.

"I think he will be remembered at Blackburn for a long time."