Heurelho Gomes

Heurelho Gomes

Personal information
Full name	Heurelho da Silva Gomes
Date of birth	15 February 1981 (1981-02-15)
Place of birth	João Pinheiro, Brazil
Height	1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club	Tottenham Hotspur
Number	1
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2001–2004	Cruzeiro	59	(0)
2004–2008	PSV Eindhoven	128	(0)
2008–	Tottenham Hotspur	95	(0)
National team‡
2003–2004	Brazil U-23	13	(0)
2003–	Brazil	11	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10:26, 12 April 2011 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 7 June 2010

Heurelho da Silva Gomes (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈɡõmiʃ]), born 15 February 1981 in João Pinheiro, Minas Gerais), commonly known as Heurelho Gomes or just Gomes, is a Brazilian goalkeeper, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur. He previously made a name for himself at Dutch club PSV.

Club career

Cruzeiro

Gomes started his career in his native country Brazil at Cruzeiro, where he played 59 between 2001 and 2004. Here, he was scouted by Piet de Visser and in July 2004, he was sold to PSV.

PSV Eindhoven

He made his debut for the Eindhoven club against Red Star Belgrade on 11 August of that year.

At first, there were critics, saying that Brazilians 'should be on the field, not in the goal'. In other words, there were doubts if Gomes was reliable enough. Those doubts were quickly erased. Even though he conceded two goals in his debut against RBC, which PSV won 5–2, he proved himself to be a reliable goalkeeper. He played a major part in PSV's four latest consecutive titles in the Eredivisie and in the great European achievements. In his first season, PSV immediately reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, where in the 14 attempts before, PSV wasn't able to reach the second round. In the following seasons, PSV progressed each time from the group stage.

In the Eredivisie, Gomes was known for his outstanding reflexes, which saved points for PSV more than once. Also his trademark throwing ability is well known. Gomes is able to throw the ball all the way deep into the opponents half. Also before the start of the match and second half, Gomes jumps up above the goal with his shoulders, pumping up the PSV supporters.

Before his transfer to Tottenham, Gomes was a crowd favorite at PSV. He can speak Portuguese and Spanish and while in Holland, he picked up a fair amount of Dutch, although it has to be said he is not fluent in the language.

Gomes celebrates winning the 2007–08 Dutch championship with PSV.

Even though the rivalry between PSV, Feyenoord and Ajax is intense, fans from rival clubs showed sympathy for the Brazilian.

Notable was an incident in Rotterdam in the match against Feyenoord, when Gomes injured himself whilst celebrating a goal, scored by his teammate Phillip Cocu. However, he managed to continue and even managed to pull off a wonder save, keeping his side in the game, which they went on to draw.

Notable achievements

Gomes achieved a great amount while at PSV. He has the record for highest percentage of clean sheets in the Eredivisie, with him keeping a clean sheet in 60% of his league for PSV. He also scored a volleyed chip against Feyenoord which made him the first goalkeeper to score in the Eredivisie for 6 years. In his first season in Holland, Gomes went 16 hours and 11 minutes without conceding a goal. In the same season, Gomes went on another run without conceding any goals, this time he did not concede a goal in 817 minutes. In his third season, 2006–07, he had again a notable streak. Gomes did not concede in 956 minutes, which eventually played a huge part in PSV's surprise capture of the championship title. PSV won the 2006–07 title, after having the same amount of points as Ajax, but PSV finished first due to a better goal difference (+50, against +49 for Ajax). Even though those were very impressive stints, it wasn't enough to break the record of Heinz Stuy, who set the record in 1971 with 1082 minutes. Gomes did set a record, though, when in the 2007–08 season he kept a clean sheet in his first 5 games.

Criticism of the board and chairman of PSV

Gomes stated in several media outlets that he would not mind staying at PSV until the end of his career. In December 2007, however, Gomes stated in the Dutch magazine Voetbal International that he had lost trust in PSV. He also criticized the trainer situation. Ronald Koeman, who went to Valencia, was replaced by Jan Wouters, who stepped aside for Sef Vergoossen in January 2008. He in turn was replaced by Huub Stevens in the summer of 2008. In addition, Gomes criticized the way Vergoossen had treated youngster Ismaïl Aissati, saying that Vergoossen was too hard on the young midfielder and that he did not get the trust that he needs. The conflict started when Gomes could have signed a contract until 2011, but the offer was withdrawn when the Brazilian was about to sign.

Tottenham Hotspur

Gomes lining up for a match with Spurs against Chelsea.

Following appointment of manager Juande Ramos, Gomes signed for Tottenham Hotspur on 27 June 2008 for a fee was believed to be around £7.8 million. Gomes played his first game in Tottenham Hotspur colours in a pre-season friendly match on 19 July 2008 against Segunda División B side Dénia, which Tottenham won 4–2.

Gomes eventually obtained a work permit to play in the United Kingdom, despite playing less than the 75% required amount of games for Brazil in the last 2 years.

Gomes made his home debut on the 10 August 2008, keeping a clean sheet with a 5–0 victory over Roma on Tottenham's last pre-season friendly, before the English Premiership campaign 2008–09.

Tottenham lost their two opening games 2–1 to Middlesbrough and Sunderland respectively, but his presence in goal helped Spurs earn their first point of the season with a draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, his reputation took a hit a week later when he let in a weak shot from Ashley Young in Spurs' 2–1 home defeat against Aston Villa. These blunders continued as he conceded an own goal against Fulham on 15 November 2008, which kept his club mired deep in the relegation zone and also caused Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeping coach Hans Leitert to be sacked on 19 November 2008, with the appointment of former Spurs Goalkeeper Tony Parks made shortly after. He went on to put in a strong performance against West Ham United, saving two shots deep into the match in which Tottenham won 2–0, before making two important saves to deny Park Ji-Sung and Ryan Giggs in a 0–0 draw with Manchester United.

Gomes was injured in Spurs' 5–1 win over A.F.C. in the second game of the 2009-10 Premier League season and had to be replaced by second-choice keeper Carlo Cudicini. After an MRI Scan it was revealed that Gomes suffered damage to his groin which would keep him out for up to a month. Gomes made his return to first team action in the 5–1 victory over Preston in the Carling Cup on 23 September 2009, and made his Premier League comeback in the 2–1 win at Portsmouth on 17 October. During this match the Brazilian made a handful of brilliant saves, one of which was compared by former Spurs keeper Pat Jennings to a famous save made by Gordon Banks against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup. On the 3 April 2010, he made two penalty saves out of three against in a 3–1 defeat away at Sunderland. On the 14 April 2010, Gomes' fine form aided Spurs in picking up their first League victory over Arsenal in 21 meetings. He saved a Robin Van Persie free kick and several other attempts on goal in succession. The following week, on 17 April 2010, Gomes again made several crucial saves as Tottenham beat Chelsea 2–1 as the team passed Manchester City to become fourth in the standings. He kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win over Bolton and then he played a vital role in the 1–0 victory against Manchester City with two crucial saves which saw Tottenham get into the Champions League for the first time ever.

On 20 October 2010, Gomes received a red card for fouling Jonathan Biabiany within the first ten minutes of the first half against European Champions Internazionale at the San Siro in the Champions League. Tottenham Hotspur lost the match 4–3, after going 4–0 down inside the first 35 minutes, despite a second half hat-trick from Gareth Bale.

Gomes' goalkeeping ability was called into question on the 13 April 2011 in the 2nd leg tie against Real Madrid after a long shot from Cristiano Ronaldo slipped out of Gomes' hands over his head and into the goal to put Real Madrid 5–0 up on aggregate.

Gomes took blame for another controversial goal against Chelsea on the 30 April after a shot from Frank Lampard slipped between his legs and although Gomes scrambled back and appeared to clear the ball, the goal was given. Spurs went on to lose the game 2–1.

After several high-profile errors and misjudgements by Gomes, Tottenham signed 40-year-old keeper Brad Friedel on a free transfer from Aston Villa to provide competition in the first team. Friedel began the season as the starter with Gomes being relegated to the bench and later being left out of match day squads entirely, which led to immediate speculation regarding his future at the club. Gomes played his first match of the 2011-12 season in a Carling Cup defeat to Stoke City 6-7 in a penalty shootout after Cristian Ceballos missed the penalty. Subsequently, Gomes played in the Europa League keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Rubin Kazan.

International career

Gomes made his debut for Brazil in 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Although the competition is for senior national teams, Brazil chose to send an Under-23 squad to the competition. Gomes made 5 appearances as Brazil went to the final and finished second after being beaten by Mexico 1–0.

Despite being part of the Brazilian squad that won the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup as the third-choice keeper behind Dida and Marcos, Gomes did not receive any playing time. He was also excluded from then coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's final 23-man roster for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

It wasn't until his inclusion in the team for a series of late-summer friendlies, as a consequence of new Brazil coach Dunga's desire to play many of the Seleção's younger stars, that Gomes has finally gained some consistent playing time in goal. On 14 August 2006, he was called up for a friendly against Norway, which ended in a 1–1 draw. On 3 September 2006, he played in Brazil's 3–0 win over rivals Argentina at Emirates Stadium in England. Two days later, Gomes kept a second consecutive clean sheet in a 2–0 victory over Wales at White Hart Lane. His latest stint between the sticks was during a 2–1 win over Ecuador on 10 October 2006.

On 11 May 2010, it was announced that Gomes would be part of the Brazilian squad which would compete at the World Cup in South Africa. Gomes made a rare appearance for Brazil in a World Cup warm-up game, replacing Brazil's number one keeper Júlio César as a substitute.

Honours

Cruzeiro

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2003
• Copa do Brasil: 2003
• Campeonato Mineiro: 2002, 2003

PSV

• Eredivisie: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
• KNVB Cup: 2004–05

International

• FIFA Confederations Cup: 2005, 2009

Career statistics

Season	Club	Country	Competition	Matches	Goals
2001	Cruzeiro	Brazil	Série A	0	0
2002	Cruzeiro	Brazil	Série A	14	0
2003	Cruzeiro	Brazil	Série A	38	0
2004	Cruzeiro	Brazil	Série A	5	0
2004–05	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	30	0
2005–06	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	32	0
2006–07	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	31	0
2007–08	PSV	Netherlands	Eredivisie	34	0
2008–09	Tottenham Hotspur	England	Premier League	34	0
2009–10	Tottenham Hotspur	England	Premier League	31	0
2010–11	Tottenham Hotspur	England	Premier League	20	0
2011–12	Tottenham Hotspur	England	Premier League	0	0
			Total	266	0

• Including all cup matches.

International statistics

As of 7 June 2010

National team	Club	Season	Apps	Goals
Brazil	Cruzeiro	2003	5	0
		2004	0	0
	PSV	2004–2005	0	0
		2005–2006	0	0
		2006–2007	4	0
		2007–2008	0	0
	Tottenham Hotspur	2008–2009	0	0
		2009–2010	2	0
	Total		11	0

International appearances and goals
#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Result	Goal	Competition
2003
1.	13 July 2003	Mexico City, Mexico	Mexico	0–1	0	2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Brazil U-23)
2.	16 July 2003	Mexico City, Mexico	Honduras	2–1	0	2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Brazil U-23)
3.	19 July 2003	Miami, United States	Colombia	2–0	0	2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Brazil U-23)
4.	23 July 2003	Miami, United States	United States	2–1	0	2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Brazil U-23)
5.	27 July 2003	Mexico City, Mexico	Mexico	0–1	0	2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Brazil U-23)
	15 November 2003	São Paulo, Brazil	Corinthians	2–0	0	Unofficial friendly (Brazil U-23)
	18 November 2003	Santos, Brazil	Santos	3–1	0	Unofficial friendly (Brazil U-23)
2004
	7 January 2004	Concepción, Chile	Venezuela	4–0	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
	9 January 2004	Concepción, Chile	Paraguay	3–0	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
	11 January 2004	Concepción, Chile	Uruguay	1–1	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
	15 January 2004	Concepción, Chile	Chile	1–1	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
	18 January 2004	Valparaíso, Chile	Colombia	3–0	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
	21 January 2004	Valparaíso, Chile	Argentina	0–1	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
	23 January 2004	Viña del Mar, Chile	Chile	3–1	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
	25 January 2004	Viña del Mar, Chile	Paraguay	0–2	0	2004 Olympic Games qualification (Brazil U-23)
2006–2007
6.	16 August 2006	Oslo, Norway	Norway	1–1	0	Friendly
7.	3 September 2006	London, England	Argentina	3–0	0	Friendly
8.	5 September 2006	London, England	Wales	2–0	0	Friendly
9.	10 October 2006	Stockholm, Sweden	Ecuador	2–1	0	Friendly
2009–2010
10.	2 June 2010	Harare, Zimbabwe	Zimbabwe	3–0	0	Friendly
11.	7 June 2010	Dar es Salaam, Tanzania	Tanzania	5–1	0	Friendly

External links

• Heurelho Gomes career stats at Soccerbase
• Gomes1.com – Official site – news and pictures
• Praise to Heurelho Gomes – Quotes, statistics and pictures
• PSV: Alex and Gomes see off Wales – noticias.info, 9/5/2006
• Gomes photos and more from PSV by Tvw
• ESPN profile
• Premier League profile