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Rewind to the deadline day of this summer’s transfer window. One of the most significant last minute deals was of Hugo Lloris’ switch from Olympic Lyon to Tottenham Hotspurs. Having chased him the entire summer, Spurs finally clinched his signature at the eleventh hour after agreeing an initial £ 8 million fee with the French side. Widely seen as one of the best keepers in the world, Lloris was expected to take over the number one jersey from American veteran Brad Freidel. After all, here is man who at the age of 25 is already the captain for the French National team. But now with the season truly underway, Lloris who was initially tipped to bring assurance to the club’s defence is now seeking assurance from his manager Andre Villas Boas about his increasingly limited playing opportunities. Yet to start in a league match, he only made his debut in the First round Europa League tie against Italian side Lazio. In fact such are the impressive displays turned in week in week out by Freidel that his manager publicly stated that the position was his to lose. Now Aged 41, the former Liverpool keeper racked up his 320th consecutive appearance in the 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. They say age doesn’t matter and Brad is shining example of it, as he makes up for it with alert reflexes and an agility that defies logic. With his contract running out in 2013, he may yet choose to make a graceful exit at the end of the current season. But then going by his current form, it would be a shame as he can definitely give his younger compatriots a run for their money (read Lloris)!
And if you thought that was a one-off situation, then you should only look at the Manchester United. A certain young and athletic David de Gea brought in for £ 18 million from Athletico Madrid last year is left condemned to the benches. Expertly scouted by the talent managers at United, he was to be slowly nurtured to emulate his famed predecessor, Edwin Van der Sar. But then he fails to grasp his chances. Never doubting the abundant talent, he is perhaps not comfortable with handling high balls that is employed frequently in the demanding English league. Sir Alex Ferguson seems convinced neither of the pair are yet to show consistency for longer periods. In fact that is understandable as both are relatively new to the club with their communication between the experienced defence needing more emphasis. Capable of making stunning saves, De Gea is still only 21 years but needs to bring more assurance to the table. On the other hand, the Dane Anders Lindegaard who played in goal for the last four league games is seen more than a capable alternative to the Spaniard. He would definitely want to argue his case for the number one jersey.
The Managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Andre Villas Boas however seem content to rotate their goalkeepers’ at least for the present. Obviously over time, an established first choice keeper will be found. For AVB, he has got less of a headache, if only he can convince Lloris that ‘be content with your present role and the future is yours.’ But Manchester United needs to plough through and make an informed choice between the two as they continue to seek a safe pair of hands.
