Protection Problems

by | Mar 22, 2023 | General | 0 comments

(Tottenham Goalkeeper and Captain Hugo Lloris)
No league titles since 1963, and no trophy in general since 2008 when they won the then Carling Cup (Carabao Cup now) Tottenham have been the butt of all jokes when it comes to trophy talk or squandering leads. On Saturday, Tottenham blew a 3-1 lead against Southampton only needing to preserve the lead for 15 minutes. So Spursy. It is shocking to believe a team with one of the best strikers in world football, Harry Kane, a decent midfield and aggressive defense being one of the laughing stocks in football, there is only one weak link; the goalkeeper.

Hugo Lloris is a World Cup winner with France but honestly, at 36 years old his decline has been evident and after suffering an ACL injury putting him out for the rest of the season, this is the time when Spurs get a top custodian in goal to have them competing for the biggest trophies.

1. DAVID RAYA

(Brentford Goalie David Raya)
Heavily linked with some of the biggest clubs in England, such as Manchester United, Chelsea, etc. Spanish international David Raya is a hot prospect for clubs looking for a long-term shot-stopper. Raya, 27, has refused to sign a new long-term deal at Brentford which would have made him one of the highest earners in the club’s history, and his contract is set to end in the summer of 2024.

With developments like these, Brentford may look to cash in on Raya so they don’t lose this gem of a ‘keeper for free. A tenacious goalkeeper with a passing range that would make some midfielders jealous, David Raya has got to be one of the main targets at the GK position for Tottenham.

TRANSFER FEE: £20 million

2. ILLAN MESLIER

(Leeds United’s Illan Meslier)

The youngest goalkeeper in Premier League history to make 100 appearances at 23 years and 16 days old. With this much experience at such a young age, to build your defense around a player like that is what Tottenham should look at doing.

The French shot-stopper has already etched his name into Premier League history, and continuing on this path could become one of the most consistent, world-class goalkeepers in the world. Apart from Raya, he is not close to the end of his contract, so poaching him would prove much more difficult.

TRANSFER FEE: £45 million

3. DEAN HENDERSON

(Manchester United Goalkeeper Dean Henderson)
Currently, on loan at Nottingham Forest, Henderson began the season with a point to prove as he believes he should be the number one at a big club, whether Manchester United or elsewhere. Originally Henderson was linked with a move to Spurs in 2020 before he ended up signing a new contract at parent club United and 26-years-old, he is no longer that ‘young kid’ that can be sent on loan over and over so a decision has to be made.

In his debut season in the Premier League with Sheffield United, the Englishman kept 13 clean sheets, ranking him joint-third amongst ‘keepers in the league during the 2019/20 season. Ability, swagger, and a point to prove, “Deano” moving to a team competing in Europe is what he may need as he approaches his prime and attempts to get back into the England squad.

TRANSFER FEE: £30 million

4. GIORGI MAMARDASHVILI

(Valencia and Georgia custodian Mamardashvili)
The wild card of the group, Giorgi has made it onto the radar of some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. He is still a prospect just like Illan Meslier, but just like the Frenchman, his ceiling is astronomically high. His contract is due to expire in June 2027, so it would be a really difficult deal to complete this year.

At 6ft. 6”, he is a monstrosity in the goal that can be an excellent piece to build around still at the age of 22. With international experience, and all the years ahead of him, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mamardashvili conquers his position for the better part of a decade. This new crop of Georgian players is taking the world by storm.

TRANSFER FEE: £50 million

5. ROBERT SANCHEZ

(Brighton’s Robert Sanchez)
Last but not least Robert Sanchez. His resume so far at Brighton speaks for itself. A modern goalie who possesses a wide passing range, bunny-like reflexes, and enough experience to make the Tottenham position his own. Reports are that there has been a falling out between new coach Roberto De Zerbi and the 25-year-old Sanchez, which saw the regular number 1 on the bench with Jason Steele starting.

With an average of one clean sheet every three games (28 in 88 games) his record is decent compared to the way Brighton has played football with him in goal. Would he be interested in a move to North London though? With the mess of Spurs sitting on the bench on the sunny south coast wouldn’t be such a bad option.

TRANSFER FEE: £35 Million

Whether Antonio Conte is in charge, Mauricio Pochettino returns or Luis Enrique takes the mantle, one of the 1st orders of business would be to sort that position out.

Leaving the goalkeeper position unattended is like having an extra couple of dollars for food, you like steak, but you settle with the sardines in your cupboard because it “is sufficient.” Remember, an attack will win you games, but the defence wins you championships.

+ posts

Well, I am 18 years old currently undergoing my Bachelors of Science in Media and communications. I'm currently in my first semester and I would like to be a sports analyst in the future. I am also from Jamaica. I would like to work at one of the biggest sports companies in the world (ESPN/SKY/BT) but everyone needs a start and I would love it if you were to give me that start.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *