Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas has suggested Hugo Lloris should be dropped for Paulo Gazzaniga against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Lloris made a costly mistake in the 90th minute against Liverpool on Sunday, resulting in a Toby Alderweireld own goal and consigning Spurs to their fourth defeat in five Premier League outings.
The Frenchman has made a number of high-profile errors in big games over the last two seasons and question marks over his ability are getting larger.
In the past there have been calls for Lloris to be dropped for Gazzaniga, and Jenas believes Mauricio Pochettino should make that call for Tottenham’s first game at their new stadium this week.
“As ruthless as it sounds, if I was Pochettino I would seriously be considering starting the Argentina international in Wednesday’s game against Crystal Palace,” Jenas wrote in his BBC Sport column.
“I know it is a huge occasion because it is Tottenham’s first game at their new stadium, and it is one Lloris will no doubt feel he should be a part of.
“But Tottenham’s priority now is not about sentiment or any of their players’ personal feelings. All that matters is finishing in the top four, because getting Champions League football next season is so important for the club’s future.
“Pochettino has to decide what gives them the best chance of doing that and, in goal, he has a big decision to make.
“Against Liverpool you could clearly see the disconnect between Lloris and his defence – they seem to be worried about when he is going to make his next error too.”
While many will agree with Jenas’ idea, there is effectively no chance Pochettino will drop his captain for the first match at the White Hart Lane-based arena.
It would simply be too risky to rely on Gazzaniga, who has proven himself to be a capable stand-in this term but isn’t on the same overall level as Lloris.
Moving forward, however, Spurs must be on the lookout for a new long-term option between the sticks.
jenas mide your own biz your not a spurs legend shut it plz
JJ is spot on, he as cost us more points then he has saved us, he was all over the place sunday, hes kicking is atrocious and hes positioning bewildering he’s days must be numbered.