During this international break, much like his travails at Tottenham, Guglielmo Vicario has blown hot and cold. His performances of late have very much mirrored his temperament, which has been a point of concern for many.
Vicario does, however, have an admirer in someone who has been in his position once, who also has some words of advice for the shot-stopper.
Luca Marchegiani advises Guglielmo Vicario to adjust temperament
Speaking recently to Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, former Italian goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani had not only praise for Tottenham goalie and compatriot Guglielmo Vicario but also some words of advice.
“He is a goalkeeper I really like and he showed bravery making the move to a very complicated division like the Premier League.
“It helped him grow and he also did well to immediately prove he was up to the task. There was some confusion at first in Italy as to whether he could continue the performances at Empoli in a top club, but he proved at Tottenham that it was easy for him.
“I am glad to see Guglielmo work his way up from Serie D to the Premier League and Italy, which is rare for a goalkeeper to not be spotted earlier in his career. He did well not to let his head drop and realise dropping down some divisions was not a failure.”
Marchegiani on Vicario, as quoted by Football Italia.
Vicario has been going through all the motions at the moment. The Italy international has been praised as well as criticised for his performances while also being linked with a move away from Spurs, with Inter Milan the latest side linked with him.
The 28-year-old has kept three clean sheets in the nine club appearances he has made this season.
Valued by Transfermarkt at €35 million, Vicario has in place at Spurs a £75k-per-week contract running until June 2028.
It is what it is
Temperament is right up there with inherent talent as one of the trickiest things to alter for any player.
Sure, Vicario may be able to simmer down his pugnacity a tad bit, but would it change the game to such a degree that he’d become a new player altogether? No.
What can be done, however, is slot Vicario at the back of a more stable back line, which will not only change the optics of his shortcomings but also boost his confidence, further affecting his game, but for that it is crucial that things change for him sooner and not later.
