‘Question marks’ – Pundit claims one Tottenham player is now on the decline

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has commented on what he believes to be a decline in quality for Hugo Lloris, claiming the Spurs skipper is no longer one of the best in the world between the sticks.

Robinson, who made 175 appearances for the Lilywhites between 2004 and 2008 (Transfermarkt) was at one point one of the better goalkeepers in the Premier League and also earned 41 caps for England along the way (Transfermarkt).

When it comes to achievements, though, Hugo Lloris certainly has him beat. The Frenchman won the World Cup in 2018 and has captained both club and country. With 437 appearances for Spurs (Transfermarkt), Lloris is currently tenth on the list of all-time appearances for the club (Wikipedia).

Of late, the experienced stopper has come in for some criticism. Costly mistakes in big games this season has seen Lloris’ reputation take a hit, and it’s widely believed that Spurs will look for a new number-one in the summer to replace him (Evening Standard).

Speaking to Stadium Astro, Robinson appears to believe that’s the right move, and claims Lloris is no longer among the elite goalkeepers in the game.

He said: “You talk about one of the world’s best, no he’s not one of the world’s best. But you look at the honours he has got. The World Cups that he has won.

“I don’t think he’s at the level he first set when he first came to Tottenham. I think he has errors in him. He’s error-prone, at times. There are question marks about him coming for crosses and around the ball at his feet.

“But you look at the defence he is behind. You look at the team he plays in. His age. His experience. I look at the two keepers on the bench, Areola and Mandanda (for France), he has no competition in that squad, whatsoever.”

Robinson is clearly worried about Lloris’ future, saying: “Hugo’s coming towards the end of his career. He’s not at the end of his career, and he still has a lot to give, but I think, at Tottenham, I see more mistakes coming in more regularly.

“He’s always had a mistake. There has never been that air of confidence around him. He seems to be very, very quiet and he makes the odd mistake, but now there is more and more coming in.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Sadly, I think Robinson is right. Hugo Lloris has been incredible over the years for Spurs, and has most certainly saved us more times than he has cost us points, but those mistakes are becoming too frequent now. Lloris will always be remembered fondly by Spurs fans, but the time has come to find a replacement.