Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper room for the 2021/22 season

Pierluigi Gollini – Starter in waiting or just waiting?

After having Paulo Gazzaniga and Joe Hart the last few seasons backing up Hugo Lloris where only a major injury would mean Lloris not playing – as was the case in 2019/20 – bringing Pierluigi Gollini in on loan from Atalanta changes things.

While not the starter for Italy in the Euros, Gollini was in the side that just won the European Championship and is coming off a fine season in Serie A. Both bigger and younger than Lloris, Gollini may indeed be the club’s future at the position.

Almost caught being cute with the ball in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Gollini is usually strong with the ball at his feet and is an excellent passer, particularly of long balls. Gollini is an excellent shot-blocker, who like Lloris, is quick off his line and alert on the pitch. Sometimes a better blocker of the ball than a catcher, the idea of rebounds may be something to be concerned about but his hands are not made of stone.

At Spurs on loan with an option for another year and to purchase outright, how well Gollini does in the non-league competitions may have a major impact on the Lloris contract talks, just as the Lloris contract talks may have a major impact on Gollini’s league playing time in 2022.

Other Keeping Options for Tottenham?

The reality is that Lloris and Gollini are the only two senior goalkeepers on the team. However, there is a third keeper on the Tottenham roster for both the Premier League and the Europa Conference League, Brandon Austin.

With Alfie Whiteman going out on loan and Brandon Austin returning from a loan, the two keepers sort of swapped roles. Austin returned this summer from Orlando City in the MLS where he made five appearances conceding eight times.

Unlikely to see much time this season with Tottenham, barring an injury, the dual US/English citizen will want to find some time somewhere to progress his career, it is just highly unlikely to come in the Spurs first team this season.