Hugo Lloris is currently the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and he deserves to play in the Champions League to test himself against the very best.
The Frenchman won the Coupe de France in 2011-12 with Lyon and he was named 'Goalkeeper of the Year' for three years running in Ligue 1 from 08-09/10-11, before making the move to the Premier League to join Spurs. He isn't the most decorated goalkeeper around, but he's seemingly better now than ever before.
The 27-year-old signed a four-year contract extension in the summer, so he must be enjoying himself at White Hart Lane - but can he win trophies and/or play in the Champions League with Spurs in that time frame?
Tottenham Hotspur are on the up and more importantly the old 'top-four' is dissolving. It may be harder than ever for a side which isn't Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Man United to win the title, but it seems more likely that "an outsider" can qualify for the Champions League. Spurs have by no means been as good as they can be, but they'll be there or thereabouts come May. They'll also very much have the chance to win either the Capital One Cup or FA Cup, and the Spurs fans may even expect a trophy this season. Tottenham are also in the Europa League, which isn't quite as popular as the Champions League but winning it isn't easy.
Hugo Lloris oozes class every time he walks on the pitch for club or country. He proves week-in-week-out that he is the most consistent player at Spurs and is currently the best shot-stopper in the Premier League. The statistics certainly back this up;
Comparing Lloris to a selection of the other top goalkeepers in the Premier League, the following is revealed:
Most Clean Sheets
David De Gea - 2
Hugo Lloris - 3
Joe Hart - 2
Wojciech Szczesny - 1
Thibaut Courtois - 2
Goals Conceded
David De Gea - 10
Hugo Lloris - 7
Joe Hart - 5
Wojciech Szczesny - 9
Thibaut Courtois - 7
Saves Per Goal
David De Gea - 1.30
Hugo Lloris - 2.50
Joe Hart - 2.00
Wojciech Szczesny - 1.22
Thibaut Courtois - 1.17
Total Saves
David De Gea - 13
Hugo Lloris - 15
Joe Hart - 8
Wojciech Szczesny - 11
Thibaut Courtois - 7
Distribution Accuracy (Distribution Length - average in metres)
David De Gea - 67% (46)
Hugo Lloris - 75% (50)
Joe Hart - 67% (37)
Wojciech Szczesny - 77% (43)
Thibaut Courtois - 57% (49)
If nothing else these statistics show that Lloris is an all-round good goalkeeper. He may not have the best distribution accuracy but he is very strong and he finds his Spurs teammates 75% of the time when kicking or throwing the ball after an attack breaks down. On average his distribution distance is the longest of the five goalkeepers.
Perhaps the most important statistic among the above however is 'saves per goal' - Hugo Lloris really is in a league of his own with this one. Compared to the others he is far and beyond the best shotstopper. There is no statistic to show how good the saves were but from watching all five, their job is rarely easy.
The French captain and Spurs vice-captain IS the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and I hope to see him in the Champions League - the big question is, will it be with Tottenham?
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