Guglielmo Vicario’s performances for Tottenham Hotspur have been quietly rewriting the narrative surrounding his role at the club. Once viewed with skepticism, the Italian goalkeeper is now earning praise from some of his harshest critics, including Gary Neville, who recently admitted that Vicario has proven him wrong.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper has become a symbol of resilience and improvement, standing tall amid growing pressure and turning in consistent performances that have solidified Tottenham’s position near the top of the Premier League table.
In Tottenham’s recent victory over Everton, Vicario was instrumental once again. While Micky van de Ven’s two headed goals and Pape Matar Sarr’s late strike stole the headlines, the Italian’s contribution between the sticks was equally decisive.
He kept his sixth clean sheet of the season and produced two key saves that prevented Everton from finding a way back into the match.
His calmness, confidence, and sharp reactions under pressure reflected a player who has adapted impressively to the demands of English football.
Gary Neville, speaking after the match, acknowledged that Vicario has grown significantly as a goalkeeper since his arrival.
The former Manchester United defender admitted he had initial doubts about whether Vicario was ready to handle the intensity of the Premier League, but his opinion has shifted after watching the Italian’s recent displays.
Neville noted that Tottenham’s defence, once prone to lapses under pressure, now shows a greater sense of stability something he credits partly to Vicario’s influence.
“The goalkeeper looks a lot better,” Neville said during Sky Sports coverage. “There were times when I wasn’t 100 percent on him, but now he looks far more solid and reliable. Spurs have found a bit of calmness at the back, and he’s a big part of that.”
David Moyes, who saw his Everton side frustrated by Vicario, also highlighted the keeper’s performance as a key reason Tottenham took all three points.
According to post-match data, Vicario prevented 1.2 expected goals against Everton a testament to his sharp reflexes and excellent positioning. His ability to read the game and anticipate danger has become one of his defining traits, allowing him to command his box with growing authority.
It’s been an impressive turnaround for a player who faced heavy scrutiny earlier in the season. Some fans and pundits questioned whether Vicario was the right choice to succeed Hugo Lloris as Tottenham’s number one, especially after a few nervy moments in his early appearances.
However, his determination to improve has been evident. Working closely with the coaching staff, he has refined his decision-making, improved his aerial presence, and displayed a growing confidence in distribution all hallmarks of a modern Premier League goalkeeper.
Alan Shearer also recognized Vicario’s resurgence, naming him in his Premier League Team of the Week. The former England captain praised his outstanding saves against Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, calling them “game-changing moments” that helped Spurs protect their lead and see out an important victory. Shearer’s endorsement further underscores the growing respect Vicario is earning across English football.
The Italian’s rise hasn’t been limited to domestic competition either. His Champions League performance away at AS Monaco was nothing short of extraordinary. Vicario made eight saves and was named Man of the Match as Tottenham battled to secure a crucial result in France.
He prevented an astonishing 2.68 expected goals that night, displaying remarkable reflexes and composure under pressure. Those numbers reflect not just one good game, but a goalkeeper operating at an elite level of consistency.
There had been calls earlier for Thomas Frank to rotate the goalkeeping options, with some fans suggesting a chance for Antonin Kinsky.
However, Vicario’s recent form has silenced those discussions entirely. His leadership and presence have helped restore confidence to the back line, and his ability to deliver when it matters most has transformed doubts into admiration.
Guglielmo Vicario’s journey at Tottenham is a story of patience, perseverance, and growth. From a player questioned for his readiness to one commanding respect from Premier League legends, his progress embodies what hard work and self-belief can achieve.
He has turned critics into believers, steadied Tottenham’s defence, and become one of the club’s most dependable figures. As the season progresses, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Vicario isn’t just proving his worth he’s cementing his place as one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers.
