Guglielmo Vicario’s latest display should deter Tottenham from signing £278,000 per week star

Add as preferred source on Google

Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 0-0 draw by French side Monaco in the Champions League, but the game did highlight the fact Guglielmo Vicario still has plenty to offer.

Since arriving at Spurs, the Italian goalkeeper has received plenty of praise for his shot-stopping ability and reflexes. But, he’s also been heavily criticised for the way he struggles to command his area.

Vicario has seen his status as Tottenham’s number one come under threat with the signing of Antonin Kinsky, with the Czech star proving a more consistent and dependable set of hands.

Thomas Frank now has a dilemma on his hands: does he stick with Vicario, or drop the 29-year-old? Or, does he go for a different option, which would be to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen in January?

• READ MORE: Thomas Frank is making the same mistake as Ange Postecoglou by misusing one exciting Spurs star

Tottenham Hotspur don’t need Marc-Andre ter Stegen

The Barcelona man is thought to be available for a loan move in the New Year, with Premier League clubs like Spurs, Man Utd, West Ham, and Newcastle United all offered the German ‘keeper.

But, a move for the experienced stopper would be unwise for Tottenham, and simply unnecessary. For a start, ter Stegen is thought to be on wages of around £278,000 per week (as per Capology). That’s far more than the top earners at Spurs currently — Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero are reportedly paid £195,000 per week — and is not a justifiable salary to splash out on.

Of course, there’s a chance Barcelona would split the wages for any loan deal, but it’s still financial outlay that Tottenham could do without. Indeed, that money would certainly be better used in signing a new striker after Richarlison’s latest disappointing display.

More importantly, though, in that game against Monaco on Wednesday night, Vicario showed what he is capable of on a good day. He made eight saves, preventing an xG of 2.68 across the game, which is frankly outstanding.

He also achieved a 10/10 rating on SofaScore, which does not happen often at all (in fact, he is the first Italian player to ever get a perfect rating).

Vicario may well let the team down at times with his erratic ways, but he also saves Spurs time and time again, too. No goalkeeper is perfect, but Vicario does more than enough to warrant his place in the team.

• READ MORE: Thomas Frank did something no Tottenham boss ever has after 0-0 draw against Monaco

Guglielmo Vicario or Antonin Kinsky – who should be Spurs number one?

That does raise an interesting question, though: would Spurs be better off with Antonin Kinsky in goal rather than Vicario?

As mentioned before, Vicario is far more unpredictable than his colleague, but he also brings more experience and leadership. Kinsky is less error-prone, but is he the kind of player you can trust to hold his nerve on the big occasions?

TalkingPoints

Poll: Who should be Spurs number one?

In many ways, Thomas Frank is blessed to have a decision like this to make. It’s not often a team can have two high quality goalkeepers competing for the number one shirt.

It’s highly likely that Vicario will remain as the first-choice goalkeeper for much of this season, unless anything drastic changes. Like any good goalkeeper, though, if Kinsky does get a chance, he will be desperate to grasp it with both hands and not let go.