There is no doubt that Hugo Lloris is one of the best players in Spurs’ squad and that he is also one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League these days. His ability to control, not only his area, but the significant space outside it, is very impressive in England’s top flight. Unsurprisingly, much has been speculated about Lloris’ future and with Spurs looking sub-par recently, is a move away on the cards for the French captain?
Hugo Lloris joined Spurs for what many believed to be a bargain at £11.8m from Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2012 and didn’t take long to settle himself at London, establishing himself as the number one ‘keeper at the club and retaining that title up until now with very little challenge. With Brad Friedel reaching the not-so-tender age of 43 and recent acquisition Michel Vorm having to settle for cup games, it would seem that playing time is never going to be an issue for Lloris in North London. In the games he plays in, he is often very impressive, with his reflex saves a particular highlight of his game. Naturally with his almost sweeper keeper role behind Tottenham’s high defensive line, occasionally he will get it wrong. Sometimes he gets away with it. Sometimes it’s costly. What isn’t debatable is the defence he does have to clean up for is less than consistent and convincing. Last season the Spurs team were guilty of the most defensive errors leading to goals in the Premier League, with a massive 18 goals conceded due to their own slip-ups and it could arguably have been more if not for the French number one between the sticks.
On the 10th July, Hugo Lloris signed a new 5 year deal at Spurs, committing his future to the club amid reports linking the Spurs keeper to Real Madrid and also French giants PSG. He spoke of his conversations with Daniel Levy and how he felt the club really was progressing in the right direction and there was a real sense of togetherness within the squad. A massive statement for Spurs at the time and many fans were delighted. They were showing real ambition at the start of the season and many were optimistic. Yet, a few months into the future and things haven’t gone to plan. The confidence Lloris felt the players had seems to have evaporated. Similarly to the previous season, it seems as if the players are struggling and one of the reasons Lloris decided to sign a new deal was because he felt Spurs were pushing forward. Currently in 12th place after 11 games, it wouldn’t appear that is the case at all. The question is, will Lloris be satisfied with another season of turmoil within the club? The lack of continued manager stability is clearly an issue and not an environment many players would enjoy working in.
There is apparently still interest from the big clubs of Madrid and PSG and many expect Hugo Lloris to depart White Hart Lane for one of the giants. If they can keep hold of him, he will continue to be a massive talent for them and could arguably be the difference between top four and top six in the future. But, if he were to leave, it would be hard for any Spurs fans to complain that it wasn’t justified.
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