The ‘strict’ Tottenham rule which Ange Postecoglou tells Guglielmo Vicario to live by

Add as preferred source on Google

Guglielmo Vicario’s 2023 Tottenham move has been a huge success so far.

Replacing Spurs stalwart Hugo Lloris is a tough task for any goalkeeper – but Vicario has ultimately grabbed that opportunity with both gloves.

Joining from Serie A outfit Empoli, the 28-year-old arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium pretty much unknown to fans outside of Italy.

In the year and a half that has followed since his move, Viarcio has announced himself to the footballing world as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers – a task that has been made even harder by the demands of his Tottenham manager.

Ange Postecoglou’s footballing philosophy places a lot of pressure upon keepers, with the Aussie being insistent on his goalkeeper’s sticking to a specific rule when it comes to playing out from the back.

• READ MORE: Alan Shearer highlights the Ange Postecoglou decision that “worked perfectly” against West Ham

Guglielmo Vicario’s kicking stats highlight Ange Postecoglou rule

Ever since the Aussie took over the reins in N17, he has been insistent on his Spurs side playing a specific way when it comes to build-up play – which has been shown by Vicario’s stats this season.

Coaches Voice recently highlighted Postecoglou’s build-up play demands by revealing that Vicario is the only goalkeeper in the Premier League, who is yet to take a long-goal kick this season.

This stat will come as no surprise to Spurs supporters, who often see their goalkeeper take risk after risk every week.

Vicario has been criticised for his defending on corners, but the Italian shot-stopper has undoubtedly provided the goods with his feet.

Could Dominic Solanke provide Spurs with a plan B?

The risk-to-reward ratio is something Tottenham have to deal with every time they try and play out from the back.

Postecoglou’s side aim is to lure the opposition forward and beat the press with a line-splitting pass from the likes of Cristian Romero.

Could Tottenham though change up their plan once in a while? Dominic Solanke’s performance against West Ham definitely suggests so.

Solanke’s hold-up play ability was on full show against the Hammers and Spurs may be better off using those talents.

The former Cherries forward stands just shy of 6ft 2 and possesses a very strong frame – which allows him to shrug off defenders and compete in aerial battles.

The stats above and a tally of four-headed goals last season – the same as Erling Haalnd – could suggest Solanke may be able to provide his side with a plan B when Spurs come under pressure.