Ange Postecoglou explains Guglielmo Vicario decision after Tottenham ‘growth’

Goalkeeper added to Spurs leadership group ahead of this season

Ange Postecoglou has explained why he added goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to Tottenham’s leadership group ahead of this season.

The Italy international joined Spurs on a five-year deal from Empoli last June and was a key performer in his first season at the club.

The 27-year-old made a number of important saves on Thursday night as Spurs earned their second clean-sheet of the season with a 3-0 win over Qarabag in the Europa League group stage.

“He was [great], but he has been great since the day he arrived”, Postecoglou said.

Vicario came in for criticism in the second half of last season, with some feeling he was being physically targeted by opposition players at corners and set-pieces.

“Criticism is just part of the nature of football these days. We have had a few under the spotlight. I included him the leadership [group] this year I have just seen his growth. He is one of those guys who is really positive. He comes in everyday wanting to work, he comes in on his days off wanting to work.

“He is a great example for everyone and a great human being as well. I thought he could add something to our leadership group. It’s great for him to get the armband last night and I thought he rose to the occasion. He was big for us.

“He hasn’t had to make too many big saves in the first few games for us but we needed him for a couple last night and he was great.”

Spurs have won three matches on the spin since losing the North London derby to Arsenal earlier this month, and they visit Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.