Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent believes that the return to fitness for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is bad news for stand-in Paulo Gazzaniga.
Lloris had been out of action following a serious elbow injury he suffered in October, with the Argentinian replacing him ever since. However, Bent feels that while Gazzaniga has shown glimpses of quality, he has had moments which suggest he has not done enough to remain in goal, while Lloris went on to return to the Spurs lineup against Norwich City on Wednesday.
Speaking to Football Insider before Lloris’ comeback, Bent said: “Obviously he’s got some time, a great save from the penalty [against Watford] but I think he had that initial boost, he’s been really, really solid since Lloris has been out until a couple of weeks ago.
“He tried to carve someone in half [against Chelsea]. I guess he’s had moments where you’d thought: ‘What a very, very good goalkeeper, he could take Lloris’ spot,’ but I don’t think he’s been consistent enough in the longer period to warrant everyone saying he’s got to be their number one.”
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You can see where Bent’s theory comes from. Since replacing Lloris at Brighton over three months ago, Gazzaniga has only recorded two clean sheets in the league – with one of those coming in last weekend’s goalless draw at Watford in which he saved a penalty.
He was also recently criticised for his role in conceding Middlesbrough’s late consolation in the FA Cup, while the penalty he gave away for the bizarre challenge on Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso arguably cost Spurs in a crucial game against their top-four rivals that could have seen them leapfrog the Blues.
That said, Spurs’ overall record this season (even with Lloris in goal) has hardly been impressive, with the seven goals the Frenchman conceded in the Champions League against Bayern Munich a particular low-point of Tottenham’s campaign.
Though having been unable to significantly solidify the defence in Lloris’ absence, while it is hardly solely Gazzaniga’s fault, it is barely a surprise that Jose Mourinho has opted for his World Cup winner to reassume his position between the sticks, just as Bent had feared would be the case for his slightly unfortunate replacement.
Spurs fans, is there any chance Mourinho sticks with Gazzaniga when Lloris returns? Share your thoughts below!
