In an impressive analysis, former Chelsea star Frank Lampard has identified a significant weak point at Tottenham Hotspur: goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario struggles with set pieces. In the fast-paced environment of professional football, where every detail can affect the outcome of a game, Lampard’s observations shed light on a critical area that both fans and coaching staff are keen to address.
Since moving to Tottenham last summer, Vicario has been in goal and started every available league game. However, Lampard’s criticism underlines concerns about the 28-year-old’s handling of corners and free kicks, which have become increasingly apparent in recent games. In particular, during a recent game against Aston Villa, Vicario’s challenges were on full display as the opposition learned to exploit his weaknesses.
In the clash with Aston Villa, Tottenham found themselves in a precarious situation early on. A corner taken by Villa was a moment of disproportionate importance in the game. With Morgan Rogers applying heavy pressure, Vicario appeared tense and unhappy, which ultimately led to Villa taking advantage of the Spurs defense’s failure to clear the ball. The result was a goal that immediately put Tottenham on the defensive.
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Lampard didn’t hold back in his assessment, highlighting Vicario’s need to improve his positioning and presence at set pieces. He remarked: “I just felt like the goalkeeper was so thrown off balance by the movement. He will understand that he will make it in every game now. People will get in your way, so it’s certainly a weakness for Tottenham that they haven’t quite solved yet.”
Lampard further criticized Vicario, pointing to the goalkeeper’s reluctance to deviate from his line in high-pressure situations. He described the scenario that unfolded at the near post, where Spurs failed to adequately clear a low ball, leading to a scramble in the penalty area. Despite making a decent save amid the chaos, Vicario was ultimately distracted, meaning Villa’s Rogers could have made what should have been a straightforward save.
Luckily for Tottenham and their fans, the game didn’t end in despair. Although the goal conceded was disappointing, the team regrouped and mounted an impressive comeback in the second half, ending the game with a comfortable 4-1 win. Brennan Johnson brought Spurs back to level shortly after half-time, scoring the goal in the 49th minute. Not long after, Dominic Solanke struck twice to give the team a cushion before James Maddison finished it off with a stunning free-kick in stoppage time.
This incident highlights both the potential and challenges Vicario currently faces. While his weaknesses were exposed, the home crowd cheered enthusiastically as the team fought back, showing resilience and teamwork. The decisive come-from-behind victory highlights a broader trend under the leadership of coach Ange Postecoglou, who will undoubtedly help Vicario overcome these weaknesses.
Despite the criticism, many observers and fans acknowledge that Vicario possesses many qualities essential to a top goalkeeper. His ball possession and goalkeeping skills are commendable and many believe he can refine his game with targeted training to improve his confidence and positioning. If Tottenham want to challenge for the title, improving their reactions to set pieces could be crucial.
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Looking ahead, Tottenham’s coaching team will likely place a lot of emphasis on improving Vicario’s performance during training sessions. To ensure he can thrive in such a competitive league, it will be crucial to build on the foundation of his existing skills while addressing specific areas of weakness.
As his development continues to be in the spotlight, Spurs fans will be excited to see the evolution of Vicario’s game in the coming weeks. His ability to deal with pressure and improve on his weaknesses could be crucial not only for his career but also for Tottenham’s ambitions this season.