Lloris and his impatience – he deserves to start (Video)
When reports on Twitter on Monday started circulating that Julien Laurens had claimed Hugo Lloris is growing impatient that he wasn’t starting for Tottenham Hotspur, it saw fans discuss with one another why the Frenchman should indeed being the club’s number one.
Having arrived on transfer deadline, it was eyed as a major coup for the North London side. During his stint with Lyon, Lloris had firmly established himself as one of the game’s best goalkeepers in the world.
Commanding in his 18 yard box, a superb shot stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, he is the epitome of the modern day sweeper-keeper. With it, the 25-year-old was viewed as the perfect candidate to benefit from Andre Villas-Boas’ high defensive line.
However, it wasn’t as easy as replacing the likes of, for example, Heurelho Gomes or Paul Robinson from the past, both of whom had become unwanted at White Hart Lane due to a monumental drop in form.
Instead, it was Brad Friedel ahead of him in the pecking order. The 41-year-old has arrived 12 months earlier and become a key figure at White Hart Lane and proved to be the goalkeeper that Spurs had needed for some time.
As good as Friedel is, however, he certainly has his faults; most notably, his hesitancy to break from his goal line and his poor distribution. More often than not, these traits have brought unnecessary pressure upon the defence when holding onto a one goal lead, as witnessed during the 2-1 win over Southampton on Sunday.
Friedel has been impressive, don’t get me wrong, but it’s time for Villas-Boas to begin preparing for the future. Lloris will, at some point or another, become Spurs’ number one and the reported frustrations, brought upon having been benched during the 4-2 loss to Chelsea, are to be expected.
As far as many Spurs fans are concerned, the sooner that transition is completed; the better, primarily because Lloris is a superior ‘keeper.
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