Tottenham academy goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala wants to be playing professionally soon but admitted he has to be patient since he is at a top club.
Lo-Tutala, who was born in Paris but grew up in Essex, spent a brief spell in the Brentford academy before joining Tottenham.
The 18-year-old has impressed this season, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just three goals in six appearances for Tottenham’s Under-23’s this season.
The youngster, who is now a regular for France’s Under-18s, admitted that he takes inspiration from Spurs and Les Blues skipper Hugo Lloris.
He told RMC Sport regarding the 35-year-old: “Hugo is impressive. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he is French and it is great to have him here to progress.”
The youngster said that while he always considered himself French first, he refused to close the door on potentially representing the Three Lions in the future, admitting he has received call-ups to England youth squads.
Lo-Tutala said: “I came back every vacation to France to see my cousins, we always spoke French, he explains. In my head, I always said to myself that I was going to come back to live in France.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“I never closed the door to the English selection, they called me three times for rallies, but I am with France in U19 and I feel good there.”
The teenager is currently a long way off forcing himself into the first-team picture at Spurs and admitted that he needs to be patient in waiting for his opportunity.
He added: “I think this start to the season has made me progress well, with training every day with the professionals but also with the France team, continues the goalkeeper.
“I feel ready for professional football, it’s the level I want to reach, but I know I have to be patient because I’m at an ambitious club.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Lo-Tutala is unlikely to be in the first-team picture soon, with more senior goalkeepers like Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, if he keeps impressing for the Under-18s and Under-23s, perhaps, Spurs will consider loaning him out next season.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
