For the last few years, Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been arguably one of the best keepers in Europe. The Frenchman has been a fantastic figure in between the sticks for Spurs and has even stepped up to be skipper frequently.
While Lloris has more than a few seasons to go as Spurs number one, there is a new prospect shining in his shadow; Paulo Gazzaniga.
Following a string of brilliant performances in goal for Spurs, is Paulo Gazzaniga a future Spurs number one?
Paulo Gazzaniga: Future Lloris Replacement?
Positive Displays to Start Spurs Career
Signing for Spurs in the summer of 2017, Paulo Gazzaniga reunited with manager Mauricio Pochettino, as the two spent a tenure at Southampton together.
The 26-year-old made his Spurs debut against Crystal Palace in November 2017, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win. Pochettino hailed the keeper’s performance that day as “fantastic”.
His second appearance came in the Carabao Cup against Watford. Where he saved two spot-kicks in the penalty shoot-out to see them advance.
Additionally, his other appearances have come against PSV in the UEFA Champions League and West Ham United in the Carabao Cup. He has been on the winning side every time he has played.
Furthermore, his most recent appearance against Arsenal can only strengthen his case as a potential future number one.
Performance in the North London Derby
Paulo Gazzaniga played in his first North London derby last week, as Spurs beat Arsenal 2-0 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The Argentine had a solid game, keeping a clean-sheet and playing a part in both of Spurs’ goals.
Gazzaniga stood tall to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan one on one early on. Then, his distribution found Lucas Moura, who subsequently assisted Heung-Min Son for Spurs’ first goal. The second Spurs goal was similar; Gazzaniga’s long-ball found Harry Kane, who assisted Dele Alli for the second.
Overall, while it was not a classic performance, there was certainly a lot for Gazzaniga to gloat about. As world-class as Hugo Lloris has been for Spurs, distribution from the Frenchman has been questionable. However, Gazzaniga showed signs of capable distribution against Arsenal.
A Sure Part of Pochettino’s Plans
It is no secret that Mauricio Pochettino builds for the future. The likes of Harry Winks, Juan Foyth and Deli Alli are all youngsters he has provided opportunity for, with great success. Despite being aged 26, Paulo Gazzaniga is no different.
For the past few seasons, Michel Vorm has been Spurs’s stand-in keeper. However, now aged 35, it would not be a surprise if the Dutchman is not in Pochettino’s plans for the future.
With squad rotation also being used frequently, it would be ideal for Pochettino to consider a backup choice such as the likes of Gazzaniga, as the prospect of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and cup competitions, can allow Hugo Lloris to rest and provide the Argentine with game-time.
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