There aren’t many goalkeepers in recent memory who made a debut as convincingly as Antonin Kinski during Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final..
It was the performance of Tottenham’s new boy that showed why he is considered the poster child of the modern era – making several key saves while also showing how comfortable he is in possession. Kinski used to be a midfielder, which explains why he is technically sound.
Ange Postecoglou immediately noticed Kinski’s “reassurance” during a phone call with him before the former Slavia Prague goalkeeper moved to Tottenham.
Antonin Kinski gained confidence against Liverpool, as he instructed his new teammates as they set up the wall in free-kick situations and motioned for them to remain calm during different periods of the match.
The 21-year-old still has a lot to achieve before he is seen as the Lilywhites hero like Hugo Lloris, but against Arne Slott’s side, he equaled one of the Frenchman’s feats.
Antonin Kinski matches 10-year-old Hugo Lloris’ performance against Liverpool
After all, the World Cup winner has played 447 times for Spurs in all competitions, keeping 151 clean sheets. But the way Kinski is viewed at Spurs is that he is one of the top prospects capable of competing for a starting place with Guglielmo Vicario rather than simply being his deputy like Fraser Forster.
But according to Sofascore, Kinski has become the first Tottenham goalkeeper since Lloris to keep a clean sheet against Liverpool.
The Los Angeles goalkeeper saved a Premier League goal during his former club’s 0-0 draw against the Reds in October 2015, which was also Jurgen Klopp’s first game in charge.
Donnik Solanke has praised Kinski’s debut against Liverpool, describing his heroics as “extraordinary”.
While Guglielmo Vicario also liked Kinski’s debut and put his arm around the young man’s shoulder.
Antonin Kinski says he “loves the style” of Hugo Lloris
Kinski admitted to following Lloris, especially when he was watching the Tottenham match in the Champions League.
“I consider Tottenham to be a big European club. I remember how I devoured their matches in the Champions League.”
“Especially because I liked the style of Hugo Lloris who played here for a long time. So it’s a great honor for me and I appreciate it. I’m proud of it.”
If Kinski can have half of Lloris’ career in a Tottenham shirt, he could be remembered in the N17 for years.
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