Page 40 - Soccer360 Issue 104

GVICARIO RISING
uglielmo Vicario, thrusted himself
into the limelight his recent incredible performances. However, Tottenham Hotspur and head coach Ange Postecoglou
had recognized his talents long before. Fabio Paratici, the club’s former managing director
of football, had inquired about Vicario last
season. Even after Paratici’s departure, the
Italian goalkeeper remained a priority for Spurs, becoming the first signing under Postecoglou’s new managerial regime in the summer.
Vicario, arriving from Serie A’s Empoli for a thrifty £16.3 million ($20 million), has proven to be an excellent investment. However, it was the recent match against Chelsea that truly elevated his profile. Faced with the daunting task of acting essentially as an extra defender, given Tottenham’s numerical disadvantage, Vicario displayed remarkable agility and composure, sprinting from his goal line to make crucial clearances and saves. The significance of Vicario’s role in Tottenham’s evolving playing style cannot be overstated. Postecoglou has consistently emphasized the importance of a new goalkeeper since his arrival from Celtic, with Vicario securing his spot early
in the summer as the first signing under the new managerial regime. Despite initial skepticism
that labeled him the “cheap option,” Vicario has silenced doubters with standout performances
in the Premier League. Vicario’s swift adaptation
to English football and life at Tottenham can be attributed to more than just his shot-stopping abilities. His personality played a pivotal role in attracting both Paratici and Postecoglou. Described as humble, demanding of himself and others,
and fiercely determined to learn, Vicario made a positive impression on Postecoglou, who saw him not just as an Italian goalkeeper but as a person with outstanding attributes. Crucially, Vicario’s proficiency in English facilitated a seamless transition into the squad. Despite being only 27, his maturity has been evident both on and off
the pitch, a crucial quality given the pressure of succeeding club captain Hugo Lloris. The veteran Lloris, now 36, has become a mentor to Vicario, aiding his integration into the team alongside the club’s No. 2 goalkeeper, Fraser Forster.
Off the pitch, Vicario has played a vital role
in building the team culture that Postecoglou envisions. The manager prioritizes humility from
his players, and Vicario’s qualities align with this demand. Beyond his footballing contributions, Vicario’s actions during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he regularly reached out to supporters of his former club Perugia, and his family’s support for a Ukrainian mother and son fleeing the war, showcase his commitment to community and camaraderie. Vicario’s journey to the top level of football adds another layer to his story. Not a first-choice goalkeeper in Serie A until the 2021-22 season, he has worked his way up from the lower leagues, even featuring in Serie D as recently as 2016. Postecoglou values players who have rapidly ascended through the ranks, viewing it as a sign of adaptability and coachability.
The goalkeeper’s relationship with Tottenham’s goalkeeping coach, Rob Burch, has been
“VICARIO, ARRIVING FROM SERIE A’S EMPOLI FOR A
THRIFTY £16.3 MILLION ($20 MILLION), HAS PROVEN TO BE AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT.”
instrumental in ironing out certain aspects of
his game. Identified weaknesses in dealing with rebounds and crosses have been addressed, showcasing Vicario’s commitment to continuous improvement. Postecoglou’s decision to secure Vicario early in the summer, allowing for a comprehensive pre-season, has played a crucial role in the goalkeeper’s impressive start to life
at Tottenham. Vicario’s impact extends beyond
his shot-stopping prowess. His ability to play
with his feet aligns with Postecoglou’s vision
for an aggressive, ball-playing goalkeeper. The manager’s insistence on Vicario’s early integration has paid dividends, as highlighted in the opening Premier League game against Manchester United. Vicario’s performance, including a crucial save
and contribution to a clean sheet, set the tone for Spurs’ positive start to the season.
Tactically, Vicario’s style has allowed Tottenham to implement Postecoglou’s game plan effectively. His aggressive approach off his line and willingness to take risks have reshaped Spurs’ defensive strategy. The team’s high defensive line, evident against Chelsea, is made possible by Vicario’s speed and confidence in one-on-one situations.
Statistical analysis further underscores Vicario’s impact. Tottenham’s defensive record, with
only Manchester City conceding fewer goals in the Premier League, is a testament to Vicario’s contributions. His adaptability is evident in defensive actions outside the penalty area, showcasing a departure from traditional goalkeeping styles. Despite being labeled the “cheap option,” Vicario’s shot-stopping ability has been exceptional, preventing more goals than expected based on the quality of shots faced. This consistency extends back to his time in Serie A, where he ranked third in goals prevented last season. The goals-prevented metric, adjusting
for shot volume, highlights Vicario’s outstanding performance with a rate of 1.4.
s Vicario continues to shine, the challenge will be maintaining this high standard. His journey from Serie D to a standout Premier League goalkeeper epitomizes talent, determination, and triumph. Whether he can sustain this performance over
the course of the season remains to be seen, but Guglielmo Vicario has already left an indelible mark on Tottenham Hotspur and English football.
38 SOCCER360
EPL ONE TO WATCH