Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou's problems in the treatment room are continuing to stack up over the international break after it was confirmed that the Italian national team was forced to make a late call-up to replace goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The Spurs shot-stopper is yet to make his debut for the Azzurri but was handed a spot in the squad by manager Luciano Spalletti after his fantastic start to life under Postecoglou. His skills were nowhere better highlighted than in the 4-1 defeat to London rivals Chelsea where, despite conceding a hattrick to Nicolas Jackson, he was commended for his incredible display after his side went down to nine men.
Vicario's ability to rush out of his box and sweep balls away were vital to keeping the score as low as it got as he kept his side in the game for as long as he could, allowing his remaining defenders and midfield to frustrate Mauricio Pochettino's attackers for almost a full 30 minutes. Afterwards, he was clapped off the pitch by the home support in a sign that cemented him as the side's No.1.
Another expert performance came against Crystal Palace, when he mad numerous saves to keep the score at 0-0 before Joel Ward's eventual own goal broke the deadlock between the two sides allowing Spurs to go on and win 2-1. His showing earned him respect from captain Son Heung-min, who highlighted his important contributions.
«Before we score without Vic’s saves we are going behind and when you go behind in this stadium, you know what is going to happen. I think big credit to Vic for making unbelievable saves,» the South Korean international said in an interview with SPURSPLAY after the game. «I am enjoying every single moment [with Vicario] because he made a good save, is playing out well
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