Analysis: Jonathan Woodgate on Gomes and Lloris
Sat 31 December 2016, 12:00|Tottenham Hotspur
Jonathan Woodgate played with Heurelho Gomes at Spurs and is a huge admirer of both Hugo Lloris and our defence - here are his memories of Gomes and his thoughts on our defensive unit as we face Gomes and Watford on New Year's Day.
Jonathan Woodgate
113 matches in two spells at Middlesbrough, 2006-08, 2012-15
64 matches for Spurs, 2008-11
Scored winner in League Cup Final, 2008
Eight caps for England
Woody on Gomes
Team-mates at Spurs 2008-11
"I remember we played in the UEFA Cup against PSV (in 2007-08, Gomes was playing for PSV) and in the away leg, he made an unbelievable save from Steed Malbranque. He hit a volley from the edge of the box and I still to this day don’t know how he saved it. Gomes stuck in my mind from that moment.
Below: Gomes at Watford
"He had a difficult time when he first came to Spurs. I remember a few mistakes and a particularly tough game at Stoke. He could get a bit low and he really cared. He’d put it right on the training ground in shooting drills and we’d all give him encouragement. That’s what we should all do - everyone makes mistakes, we all have feelings and you have to get back up and show how good you are.
"Gradually, he started to grow in confidence and he was soon a different goalkeeper. Some of the saves he used to make were incredible. In training, you’d say ‘wow’. He’d also go for everything in the air. He’s a really lovely guy as well."
Below: Hugo Lloris
Woody on Lloris
"I love his starting position. He plays in a 'sweeper' role and he’s so quick. He’s not the tallest for a goalkeeper but he’s so sharp, brave as well. He's made some incredible saves this season, great reactions, but it's how quick and sharp he is that stands out for me."
Below: Woody's moment - scoring the winner in the League Cup Final in 2008
Woody on our defence
"I said about how quick Hugo Lloris is - how quick is your back four, by the way! Rapid! You have two great centre-halves, left and right foot, good balance, the full-backs are as good a partnership as you’ll find anywhere and Hugo Lloris in goal! I like Alderweireld, and I'd put him in the top three centre-backs in the Premier League."