Enter, Michel Vorm. Unlike his fellow teammate goalkeeper, his transfer was one that has been questioned by the fans. Surely Tottenham Hotspur should have spent money on outfield players? Who needs Vorm when there is already Hugo Lloris and Brad Friedel? So, is Vorm a worthwhile signing, or was he simply a panic buy?
Lloris isn’t superman; contrary to fans’ beliefs, he will inevitably pick up an injury or receive a suspension. A goalkeeper of his calibre will surely have a huge impact on the team? But, that’s where the perception is wrong…
No Lloris, no problem.
Whenever Lloris isn’t available, there is yet another pair of capable hands to keep Tottenham’s goal safe: Michel Vorm. Vorm has proven himself in the last Europa League match away to Asteras Tripolis, pulling off some super saves to keep Spurs in the game. But, he never really needed to prove himself in the first place.
He was excellent at Swansea; there is no reason why he cannot replicate that form at Spurs. However, the main problem for Vorm is game time. No appearance as of yet in the Premier League, hardly surprising when he has to beat Lloris to start. For a goalkeeper, it’s much harder to get time on the pitch and, without such, it can limit the performance of the goalkeeper when he is required. Vorm can save, parry, and punch as much as he wants in training, but in a real game situation it’s a whole different echelon of football, which is why it’s important that Vorm is played in the cup competitions. Currently, Spurs are still in all cup competitions; this is a gaping opportunity for Vorm to exploit.
Vorm has to be patient. Recently, he has admitted that he knew full well what he was doing by joining Spurs. He knew the quality of Lloris, but he has accepted it. But, in the modern game, what is there to stop Lloris from transferring to Real Madrid in January? It’s very unlikely, perhaps more likely in the summer, but the point stands. An extra four years on a contract simply means another team has to pay more for the player’s services. This means Vorm could be the first team keeper in a few years’ time. In comparison to Friedel, Vorm is still young as a goalkeeper with his career still stretching ahead of him. There is plenty of time for him to be Tottenham’s number one on the team sheet yet.
Tottenham have made a good signing in Vorm. For a reserve keeper, there aren’t many better than him. It’s not a dream move yet, sitting on the bench and biding the time, but it can be. The best is yet to come for Vorm, who could just be a fan favourite in years to come. But, there is a risk that this may never pan out; if Lloris stays loyal to Tottenham, any contenders for the goalkeeper spot may be very hard pressed to keep him out.
To sum up, Michel Vorm probably won’t be playing in the Premier League anytime soon. However, he will be played in the many cups Tottenham still compete in; Vorm will be needed. Spurs couldn’t have bought a better reserve keeper than Vorm.
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