TTLB Opinion: Tottenham should join the race for in-demand Espanyol ace

There has been a concern surrounding the current option at Hotspur Way when it comes to the goalkeeping department, as many Lilywhites supporters still believe that they need to bring in someone who will be a long-term successor to Hugo Lloris. Despite the French man’s departure from the Premier League heavyweights, the club is yet to find someone who is consistently reliable in all fortes of the game. And while they consider the potential options, one of the names that Tottenham Hotspur can think about would be Joan Garcia. The Espanyol goalkeeper has been making a lot of noise with his performances in the Spanish top tier, and he could be someone that can grab that position and make it all his for years to come.

We have seen how Vicario has had his problems with set piece situations and when the ball is crossed into the box – it is a complement to his aerial abilities and his anticipation that has let him down on a number of occasions in the ongoing campaign. If Tottenham are serious about competing for silverware on all fronts, then they have to sign a keeper who performs consistently throughout the season (without any mistakes).

But then the question comes up, Why Garcia?

Let’s start with his shot-stopping abilities. The 2001-born goalie has been known for his exceptional reflexes and that, so putting those performances consistently under pressure. If we walk back to that game against Real Madrid earlier this season, it is a perfect example of what an elite goalkeeper can do for his team. He single-handedly ensured that Espanyol took away all three points while putting a massive dent into Carlo Ancelotti’s side title hopes.

Then we look at his frame and how he has fine-tuned himself to use it with how modern games work. Garcia has been known for his 1.91-metre frame and his technical skills and command of the penalty box (which is highly in line with how the modern goalkeepers are expected to operate). And then comes his build-up play from the back; he is known to have that tenacity with the ball at his feet, almost so good that teams prefer not to press when he has the ball at his feet.

And lastly, he has massive potential, and given his age, he fits right into the ‘buy them young and develop them through the corridors at Hotspur away’ policy.

Now let’s do a basic comparison with Vicario

To start with, the way of distribution and type of distribution are absolutely different between the two. While both of them are composed, Garcia has that ability to invite extra pressure and put in passes through tight angles. And the Spaniard is also not a pushover from set-piece situations like Vicario. Moreover, when it comes to saves, Garcia is better on reflexes and ensuring that no parries come off to opponents, making him a more ideal option for the North Londoners.

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But there is competition…

The likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are looking to sign Garcia, making him a highly touted option.

Author Opinion

Garcia and his playing style complement Tottenham’s tactical approach, especially if Ange wants to push the build-up from the first phase and have his goalkeeper as an essential part of the first balls.