TTLB Opinion: Yahia Fofana has potential, but should Tottenham be looking beyond Vicario?

Fofana has been putting in some impressive performances in the French top tier with Angers, and he has now caught the eye of the Lilywhites scouting team, who remain keen to bring in quality options in the goalkeeping department, adding to the current quality of Vicario and Antonin Kinsky. And in a sense aiding to bring in the 24-year-old would be more of a strategic long-term move than a reaction to his current form.

Fofana has been showcasing his shot-stopping ability complemented by his commanding presence in the box, making him an important part of the squad for his current employers, and comes from his leadership abilities from the back that can help cement this leaking defence at N17. Moreover, his stature of 6’4″ allows him to dominate aerial duels (something Vicario has been struggling with since he joined Tottenham).

Let’s talk Tottenham and their goalkeeping situation at the moment

Now let’s talk a bit about the former Empoli goalkeeper who dons the number one spot at Tottenham. Guglielmo Vicario and his spot have been a thing of wide debate among pundits as well as Lilywhites supporters. While the 28-year-old has shown glimpses of top-tier goalkeeping, he hasn’t been able to make consistent performances out of it. And Ange Postecoglou needs more than just flashes of brilliance if he is going to take this team anywhere near the top of the league. Playing in the Premier League means there is a demand to put in high-level performance week in, week out, and moments of uncertainty are the last thing that’s needed.

Bringing in someone like Fofana should add healthy competition to the goalkeeping department. We did see that one game of brilliance from current backup goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, but that was followed by some underwhelming performances and a series of basic mistakes, which could lead to him being loaned out to gain some experience and development. This could end up opening up space for Yahia Fofana. But the question remains, should Tottenham look beyond Vicario?

Can Ange follow Arteta’s steps?

The question in itself is a complicated one, especially if we are to determine if Tottenham should consider alternatives to Vicario. As I stated earlier, Vicario has shown flashes of brilliance, but then his inconsistent performances are why we are in this debate, given you cannot afford a weakness in the Premier League. All the teams at the top of the table have players who are not only apt tactically but also putting in consistent performances. And that is where Daniel Levy could plan a bit long-term and bring in someone like Fofana, who has been performing regularly in Ligue 1 (he is on top of all the metrics for goalkeepers).

And then also considering the injury problems with Viarcio, Spurs do need a world-class keeper in the backup role.

So if it is about replacing Vicario, it wouldn’t be surprising if they go on and do that this summer. Or given how Levy and his team have been planning a bit long-term of late, they can start a process, a signing that will eventually lead to Vicario being displaced (much like Mikel Arteta did at Arsenal when Ramsdale took over Leno and then when Raya took over Ramsdale). While following the Gunners footsteps will bring in a lot of controversy, if the Spurs want to get to the top, they have to be cutthroat with their decisions.