HUGO DROSS
Chelsea’s French coach Lollichon lays into Spurs keeper: People live in a dream world when it comes to Lloris... he’s so OVERRATED
WORLD CUP winner Hugo Lloris has been branded ‘overrated’ by Chelsea’s French goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon.
Lollichon believes the France and Tottenham captain’s fans are living “in a dream world” about his qualities and that Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Alphonse Areola is better. Areola has won plaudits for his performance in goal for Les Bleus in last week’s goalless draw against former world champions Germany.
On Sunday night, however, Lloris lifted the World Cup and celebrated his country’s heroics with the victorious squad at the Stade de France.
Yet, Lollichon remains unmoved. He said: “People live in a dream world when it comes to Lloris a bit too much. For me, Areola is above him.
“Against Germany, Areola was positionally very good and in his ability to come out. It’s the basis of all goalkeepers, but not everyone does it well. He is proactive in his anticipation.”
His claim will surprise the many people impressed by the displays from Lloris for club and country.
The 31-year-old has been a key figure at Spurs, helping the club into the Champions League over the last three seasons.
He also drew widespread acclaim for his overall performances in Russia during the summer. Lloris drew audible gasps of admiration from fans in the Nizhny Novgorod stadium with his outstanding save from Uruguay’s Martin Caceres. He was in the running for the Golden Glove award at the World Cup only to see Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois win the accolade. Lollichon is known to be a huge fan of Areola, 25, (above) and had him under consideration as a replacement for Courtois at Chelsea during the summer. The Blues eventually moved for Kepa Arrizabalaga, 23, from Athletic Bilbao in a staggering £73million deal after Courtois quit for Real Madrid.
But it has done nothing to dim Lollichon’s admiration for Areola, who he believes should be France’s No.1.
He added: “I didn’t have to wait to discover Alphonse.
“For me, he’s the best current French goalkeeper. He has all the characteristics to be France’s No.1.
“The height, ability with the ball at his feet, wingspan, his diving ability, footwork. He’s the most adapted to how they play.”