David James: Tottenham man partly to blame for top-four struggle, but would still be picked over Arsenal ace

Follow us on Google Discover

David James has told Stadium Astro that Tottenham ace Hugo Lloris is partly to blame for the club’s struggles to finish in the top four. However, James says he would still pick Lloris over Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.

Lloris, 35, clocked up his 400th appearance for Tottenham on Saturday evening as Spurs produced a miraculous display to beat Manchester City. That is, despite the World Cup winner making a mistake for City’s first.

The France captain was guilty of two mistakes in the prior match, palming an effort to Raul Jimenez who volleyed home – and then an awkward pass to Ben Davies saw Leander Dendoncker score as Wolves beat Spurs 2-0.

Having watched his error against his old side Manchester City, James criticised Lloris. He thinks the Frenchman is partly to blame for Tottenham’s top-four struggles – as Spurs remain languising in eighth.

But asked if he would still have Lloris over £30million (Sky Sports) Ramsdale, James said he would pick Lloris largely due to his experience. Ramsdale though, according to James, has the potential to surpass Lloris.

“Every mistake leads to a goal and today we saw that. Is he one of the best goalkeepers in the world? No. In the top five of the Premier League, fine. In theory, he is still up there amongst the best in the world,” James said.

“I don’t see enough top performances. He is one of the reasons Tottenham are struggling to get into the Champions League. But I would still go for Hugo Lloris over Ramsdale, but there is more potential in Ramsdale.”

James on Lloris: Is Tottenham star really to blame, or is verdict harsh?

Yes, he made two mistakes against Wolves, and yes, he was at fault for City’s opener. But it must also be said that Spurs have handed Lloris a new contract, until June 2024, because his form of late has been very strong.

Not only that, but Lloris pulled off one of the saves of the season to deny a curling effort from Ilkay Gundogan in the second half, with the score at 2-1 to Spurs. A one-handed effort that even left Lloris in pain.

He is a goalkeeper capable of a mistake, but most are. Even the best in the Premier League – or Europe – have done so, in Alisson and Ederson, this season. James’ verdict is somewhat harsh on Lloris.