In recent years Hugo Lloris has been seen as one of Tottenham’s most prized assets. The Frenchman is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Any criticism of him is usually viewed as blaspheme.
However, following the recent defeat to Manchester City, the Tottenham stoppers inability to play out from the back has become blatantly obvious. If Tottenham are to continue this strategy of playing out from the back then they need a keeper who is competent in this area. Can the Frenchman change his style or will Spurs need to begin looking elsewhere for someone better suited?
Hugo Lloris Must Adapt to Modern Passing
Losing His Confidence?
Lloris isn’t ‘bad’ at passing from the back. The Frenchman seems to just prefer not to and rarely looks comfortable and often rushes himself when under pressure. In contrast to Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson who was passing as naturally as the world’s top play-makers on Saturday. The vast majority of Lloris’ distribution either resulted in one of the Tottenham defenders placed under immense pressure or went straight out of play. In both circumstances, the outcome was more often than not Tottenham surrendering possession to City.
In the era of the high-press, teams need to know their keeper can handle himself with the ball at his feet under pressure. Lloris simply does not. He has in the past two seasons also begun to make uncharacteristic errors. This was next to non-existent pre-Pochettino and may signal his struggles with his feet are beginning to make him doubt himself in other situations.
Pedigree
Regardless of his current issues, Lloris remains a top goalkeeper. There are very few players in world football fans would pick over him to have between the sticks.
Lloris is both Tottenham and France captain. He is capable of the impossible, like his save in the Champions League against Bayern Leverkusen last season. The Frenchman has been a major factor in Tottenham becoming one of the meanest defences in Europe over recent seasons, a foundation that a lot of the clubs recent success has been built upon.
Verdict
Hugo Lloris has been a great servant for Tottenham Hotspur. As a traditional goalkeeper, there are few better. However, as the game evolves, then so do the roles of players. Ideally, Lloris will adapt to his new environment and work on his composure while passing under pressure.
A shot-stopper of his calibre is next to impossible to find with Tottenham’s budget. If Lloris cannot improve his passing then Tottenham either have to change tactics or replace Lloris. Regardless of how good a player Lloris is, there really is no point in having a goalkeeper making unbelievable saves every game if his mistakes are the reason that they need to be made in the first place.
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