‘Without doubt’: Mauricio Pochettino now raves about £12m Tottenham player Conte reportedly could sell

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Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as he prepares to try and defend the World Cup.

Lloris was the captain of the France side who won the tournament in Russia in 2018, despite making an error in the final which allowed Croata to score.

He will once again lead France this time as they look to become back to back champions in the unprecedented winter World Cup in Qatar.

In a piece for the Athletic, Pochettino spoke about some of the players he used to manage at Spurs, including £12 million man Lloris.

Pochettino on Lloris

Pochettino said he spent an ‘amazing time’ with Lloris, and was immensely proud when he lifted the World Cup in 2018.

He added: “We knew very well how he suffered in his career, working so hard.

“Sometimes it was so unfair, when they criticised him. To culminate with him winning the World Cup, it shows that all the people who trusted in him, we were right.”

Pochettino also said that ‘without doubt’, Lloris has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world over the last ‘five to seven years’.

Pochettino’s praise comes amid rumours that Antonio Conte could replace Lloris. 90 Min’s Graeme Bailey has told Team Talk: “Hugo Lloris has a deal until 2024, but it is highly unlikely he will be Tottenham number one after this season.

“He has been up and down and it is understood Tottenham are looking for his long-term replacement. And we can reveal that a number of options are in the Premier League.

“They have been linked to the likes of Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier, and these are the options for them. They really like Sanchez at Brighton – but it is likely that won’t be until the end of the season.”

“Lloris will go to the World Cup finals, and it will be interesting to see how he goes in Qatar.

“But barring injury and a real collapse in form, he will get the rest of the season at Tottenham – which will almost certainly be his last as number one.”