Tottenham star Guglielmo Vicario must kick on after ‘outstanding’ first season
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario must kick on after an “outstanding” first season in the Premier League.
The Italian joined from Serie A side Empoli last summer and enjoyed a strong start to life in England, contributing to Spurs’ positive early form and stylistic shift under head coach Ange Postecoglou.
However, his weakness at commanding his area from set-pieces was eventually identified and exploited by opponents towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Postecoglou, though, feels the shot-stopper has responded well to setbacks and was full of praise for his impact overall.
He said to TNT Sports after the 3-0 win against Sheffield United on 19 May: “For the most part [Vicario has] handled [set-piece mistakes] pretty well. What I’ve loved about Vic is whenever that’s happened, the next ball that’s come in he’s gone for it again.
“It can’t be underestimated the impact he’s had, when you talk about a goalkeeper who has never played in the Premier League before. And he hasn’t come in from a massive club, only one or two years of Serie A experience, I just think he’s been outstanding.
“There have been a lot of games this year where he’s pretty much kept us in it with a big save or a big moment.
“For a goalkeeper in his first year of Premier League [football], still very young in terms of maturity and experience at the top level, I think he’s been brilliant.”
How can Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario improve?
Vicario’s obvious area of improvement is his command of his area and claiming of high balls, particularly from set-piece situations.
The Italian is arguably more comfortable defending outside of his box than within it, racking up an average of 2.13 defensive actions outside the penalty area per 90 in the Premier League this season [FBref].
His crosses stopped rate of just 6.5 per cent in the competition this term, however – averaging just 0.87 crosses stopped per 90 despite being faced with 13.45 crosses per game – is certainly below average and an aspect of his game that will surely be worked on ahead of next season.
The 27-year-old’s total of 110 saves is also strong, though his save rate of 64.3 per cent – while respectable – could also be improved [FotMob].
Additionally, Vicario’s influence in possession is clear to see as he played a crucial role in the stylistic transformation of the side under Postecoglou. His passing accuracy of 83.7 per cent is strong for a goalkeeper and likely influenced by the rarity with which he sends the ball long, mustering just 85 accurate long balls.
If Vicario works on his weaknesses ahead of next season, it will be of great benefit to a Tottenham side looking to go one better than they did this term.
In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy is set to lose millions as part of a mass clear-out at the club.
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