Stephen Warnock has claimed that while Fraser Forster is a very capable backup goalkeeper, he is not good enough to be Tottenham Hotspur’s permanent number one.
The knee injury suffered by Hugo Lloris has seen Forster get a run of starts under his belt and while the England international has had a few shaky moments early on, he has largely looked untroubled over recent weeks.
The 34-year-old proved his prowess when it comes to facing spot-kicks by producing an excellent save from the penalty spot in the win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Multiple publications have reported over the last couple of months that Tottenham are expected to sign Lloris’ successor in the summer, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, David Raya, Robert Sanchez and Mike Maignan thought to be at the near the top of the North London club’s wishlist (Football.London).
Warnock does not believe that Forster is good enough to be the first choice between the sticks for a team with as lofty ambitions as Spurs.
The pundit told Sky Sports News about the former Saints stopper: “I think he struggled at the start, and I think that was just down to a lack of game time, a lack of playing, and you sort of have to find your feet.
“Luckily for him, obviously with the injury to Lloris, he was going to be the number one for the foreseeable. Is he the long-term replacement? If you’re Spurs and you want to compete for the title, and Champions League places, I think you need a world-class keeper.
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“I think Fraser Forster is an outstanding backup goalkeeper, but to play for that next level, I don’t think that’s his level.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Irrespective of how well Forster does, I do not think Tottenham would consider starting next season with the 34-year-old as their number one. However, his performances could perhaps convince the club to keep him around as the understudy rather than Hugo next season.
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