Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has been told to reject Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and land Everton’s Jordan Pickford instead, with the north London side on the hunt for Hugo Lloris’ successor.
David Raya and Ivan Toney celebrate Brentford gaining promotion to the Premier League© PA Images
Lloris has been a loyal servant to Tottenham since joining them from French club Lyon in August 2012. He has made 439 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions, keeping 149 clean sheets in that time.
Lloris, who has been Spurs captain since 2015, has helped the club to reach several finals, including the Champions League’s marquee event four years ago.
However, they have been unable to add to their trophy cabinet. Instead, Lloris’ only pieces of silverware have come with the France national team. Les Blues won the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League.
The keeper is now 36 years old and nearing the end of his career. On Monday, he announced his retirement from international football.
Spurs must expect him to hang up his gloves in the next year or two. As such, they need to start sounding out top-class replacements for him.
Two options come from rival Premier League clubs. Spurs have been linked with Brentford star Raya and England keeper Pickford, who currently represents Everton.
Raya has kept five clean sheets and conceded 28 goals in 18 league games so far this season. Pickford, meanwhile, has managed three clean sheets and conceded 24 goals in 17 league outings this campaign.
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Former Spurs and Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton has given his verdict on who should replace Lloris in the Spurs net. While Raya is a great keeper in his own right, there are a couple of reasons why Pickford might be the better signing for Conte.
“They are both good options,” Hutton said in an interview with Football Insider. “David Raya has been excellent for Brentford. But if you look at Pickford, his experience, his big game know-hows, he has always done well for England.
“There is pressure to play for Tottenham, that is something he will be used to.
“He is of a good age as well. So for me I think I would go towards Pickford.
“From a Tottenham point of view, to have someone through the door with that experience who is probably going to be your future number one, is not as much of a risk.“
Hutton is right about Pickford’s international experience putting him in a good position to impress at Spurs. He has won 50 caps for England and played a crucial role in them reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euros final three years later.
This kind of big-game know-how would help Pickford to keep his nerves in check for major Champions League matches in a Spurs shirt.
Raya, in contrast, has only played for Spain twice and therefore does not have as much experience. Having said that, he would still be a good successor to Lloris.
He is well up there as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Prem this season. And training under Conte’s world-class coaches could help him to reach new heights.
Source: Teamtalk
