While Tottenham’s season under Mauricio Pochettino was undeniably impressive, one of the big reasons they performed so well was Hugo Lloris’ heroics in goal.
The former Lyon goalkeeper, now Tottenham’s and France’s captain, is widely regarded as one of the best in the world in his position, which always helps when you’re trying to compete for trophies.
Now 29, Lloris is quickly becoming a reference at Tottenham and in his country, which is why so many newspapers were fighting for interviews with him ahead of these Euros.
Le Parisien published a double page spread on the player on Thursday, focusing mainly on the international competition starting on Friday, but also mentioning his season with Tottenham.
Asked if he felt this was his best season yet, the player said: “I don’t know. I’ve always tried to be consistent even if, collectively, we still have ups and downs. I know what my role is on the pitch and off it. I’m not a fan of statistics. The most important is the feeling after a game and a season, and at the moment, it’s a good feeling.”
Always coming across as a sweeper keeper rather than a regular shot stopper, Lloris also admits to becoming more eccentric under his Argentinean manager at Tottenham, only because their style of plays asks him to.
He explained: “For him, the goalkeeper is very important. He’s a key piece in how the team builds up play. (…) Ever since I’ve been playing under Pochettino, I’m a goalie and an outfield player. In possession, we play as 11, not with 10 men. We always have to build from the back. We’re conditioned to play that way.”
Conceding 34 goals in 37 appearances while keeping 13 clean sheets, Lloris will be hoping to take this form to the Euros where a lot of expectations will be placed on him, especially with a makeshift centre-back pairing in front of him.
Not long now until we find out, with France-Romania just around the corner!
