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“He’s now Tottenham’s weak link, Spurs could be UNBEATABLE if they can address this issue”- Frank Lampard stated, emphasizing that there is a player who is currently a liability for the team. He advised Ange Postecoglou to take note if he truly aims for success this season.
Spurs pulled off an impressive 4-1 comeback victory over Aston Villa on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has faced criticism for his role in the opening goal.
Following the match, former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard highlighted Vicario as a potential weakness in the Spurs lineup. He noted that the goalkeeper’s handling during set-piece situations needs improvement, particularly under pressure.
A crucial moment came with Aston Villa’s first goal, scored by Morgan Rogers in the first half. Lampard pointed out that while Vicario is a talented shot-stopper, he seemed unsettled when faced with a crowd of Villa attackers during this play. His positioning appeared compromised as he lost balance in the chaos, and despite making an initial save, the ball fell directly to Rogers, who easily tapped it in.
Lampard’s Critique of Vicario
Lampard emphasized that enhancing Vicario’s decision-making in crowded situations would bolster Tottenham’s defensive setup. Speaking post-match on Sky Sports, he remarked:
“I felt the goalkeeper became unbalanced due to the movement around him. He needs to realize that he will face this challenge in every game. Players will get in your way, and it’s a clear weakness for Tottenham that needs addressing.
“Vicario isn’t the most dominant goalkeeper; he rarely comes off his line. On a flat delivery to the near post, Spurs failed to handle it. Vicario was distracted by Rogers, and while he made a decent save, Rogers had an easy tap-in from two yards.”
This isn’t the first time Vicario’s aerial decision-making has come under fire. Known for his quick reflexes and consistency, he sometimes hesitates when coming off his line in crowded penalty-box situations. Last season, he was responsible for conceding several goals in similar circumstances, notably against Everton, where Jack Harrison employed similar tactics to disrupt him during a corner.
Although Vicario has been a reliable replacement for Hugo Lloris since joining Spurs last year, Lampard’s comments suggest that further development in this area could help avoid unnecessary goals in tightly contested matches.
Since his arrival, the 27-year-old goalkeeper has made a significant impact, establishing himself as a strong presence and dependable leader in the box. His shot-stopping ability and leadership have earned him praise from teammates and fans alike, especially during crucial moments contributing to Tottenham’s positive results. Manager Ange Postecoglou even included him in the leadership group earlier this season.
However, it’s essential for Vicario to improve his handling of high-pressure situations, as opponents are likely to continue targeting him, as Lampard rightly pointed out.
