Paul Robinson: ‘Impressive’ Guglielmo Vicario ready to take Tottenham back to Champions League
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
New Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is capable of replacing the likely-departing Hugo Lloris and helping the club back to the Champions League, says Paul Robinson.
Spurs forked out £17.2million to sign Vicario from Empoli (Sky Sports, June 27) and started the hectic 2-2 draw at Brentford, where he conceded twice – including a penalty – but appeared confident commanding his area and made some good saves in their Premier League opener.
Former captain Lloris, meanwhile, continues to face an uncertain future with The Sun reporting (11 August) that Serie A side Lazio could get the Frenchman for free despite having one year left on his Spurs contract.
Vicario is facing a step up in expectation at Tottenham and there will be internal and external pressure on him to deliver.
It is a pressure Robinson is all too familiar with and the former Spurs stopper likes what he has seen so far from the new man thus far.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “The way that he’s settled and the way he’s adapted as a modern-day goalkeeper is good.
“I mean, the first thing you talk about goalkeepers these days is can he play with his feet, can he pass out, and can he play like a sweeper?
“Vicario can, but he also commands his box, he takes crosses and his communication with his defence has been impressive, and his stature. Tottenham paid a good fee for him.“
Against Brentford, Tottenham’s back-up goalkeeper was 24-year-old Brandon Austin, who is yet to make a senior appearance for his club, with Lloris on the way out and Fraser Forster unavailable.
Robinson believes if Vicario can help Tottenham get back to the Champions League, Spurs will need another quality addition to make sure they are adequately covered between the sticks.
“You’re not going to pay a fee for a goalkeeper like Vicario with the intention of sitting him on the bench,” said Robinson. “You look at all the top clubs, they carry two very, very good goalkeepers. Two number ones, if you like.
“I mean if you look across the road in North London. They’ve got a fantastic goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale, yet they felt the need to go out and get David Raya from Brentford as well.
“So I think that’s where it’s going at the moment. But Arsenal have got the demands of Champions League football now, so they have to have a squad big enough to do that.
“Spurs don’t this year, but so hopefully we’ll see if he can help.”
For now, Tottenham can rely on their net being safe this season with just Vicario. Without the need to consider European football, one quality shot-stopper should be enough, providing he remains fit.
Many Spurs fans have high hopes that Postecoglou can get them to compete this season. While many question marks remain about the rest of the side, most prominently if they can replace Harry Kane’s goals following his departure, the number one position looks in safe hands this season.
In other Tottenham news, Ange Postecoglou must sacrifice youth integration for immediate success.