Tottenham star Lloris is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, with his stock at an all-time high after helping France win the World Cup in Russia this summer. However, Chelsea coach Lollichon has now launched a stunning attack on the shot-stopper.
And he also rates PSG’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who kept a clean sheet for France against Germany in midweek, over the Tottenham star.
“People live in a dream world when it comes to Lloris a bit too much, but for me Areola is above,” he said. “Against Germany, he was positionally very good and in his ability to come out. It’s the basis of all goalkeepers, but not everyone does it well. He’s pro-active in his anticipation.
I didn’t wait until Thursday to discover Alphonse. For me, he’s the best current French goalkeeper. He has all the characteristics to be France’s No 1. The height, ability with ball in his feet, wingspan, his diving ability, footwork. He’s the most adapted to how they play.”
Areola has found game time tough to come by at PSG following the arrival of Gianluigi Buffon.
However, he has been tipped to replace Lloris in the French side when the Tottenham star eventually calls it a day.
And PSG boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted Areola may even oust Buffon from his starting line-up.
“Yes, I chose,” he said “The decision is not final but I told Alphonse that he was in my opinion in pole position to be number one. He comes from the training centre. PSG, that’s all for him, and he absolutely wants to prove himself to PSG. PSG is everything to him.
This is a situation that must be respected and on which we have to capitalise. We must be proud to have players of this nature, we need this type of players who have the soul of PSG, who embody the club.”