AliousThe 38-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer from Southampton.
A former England international with six caps, Fraser Forster featured 34 times across all competitions during his three years in North London, largely serving as a backup option for the Lilywhites.
Now at AFC Bournemouth, the experienced goalkeeper has returned to the Premier League as the Cherries’ second-choice keeper after signing a short-term six-month deal in January.
With Tottenham now battling to avoid relegation, there may be some regret over allowing Forster to leave last summer—especially when comparing his performances to those of Guglielmo Vicario.
Comparing Forster and Vicario
Vicario’s future at Tottenham looks uncertain heading into the end of the season and the upcoming transfer window. The 29-year-old has endured a difficult campaign, conceding 50 goals and managing just seven clean sheets in 31 Premier League matches.
By contrast, Forster made seven league appearances last season, conceding 15 goals and keeping one clean sheet. But a closer look at the underlying numbers suggests he may have been the more dependable option.
According to Sofascore, Forster prevented 1.90 goals in the Premier League last season, while Vicario has a current figure of -5.22. Forster also edges the Italian in save percentage (66% compared to 62%), made no errors leading to goals (Vicario has two), and conceded only twice from outside the box—whereas Vicario has allowed 11 goals from long range.
Tottenham may miss Forster’s experience
There are times when relying on experience—particularly in goal—can be more valuable than potential, and this may be one of those cases for Tottenham.
While Forster was never outstanding during his spell at the club, he offered consistency and reliability—qualities that might have made a difference this season. Vicario, on the other hand, has been unpredictable, capable of looking excellent one week and vulnerable the next.
Forster’s calm presence and experience provided a steady, if unspectacular, foundation at the back. He was never seen as a long-term solution, but in a season where Tottenham find themselves under pressure, his composure and dependability could have offered a safer and more consistent option between the posts.
Alious
