Tottenham Hotspur’s previous coaching staff wee reportedly concerned about the performances of goalkeeper Antonin Kinksy in training. The 22-year-old has only made one appearance this season, in the Carabao Cup, as he sits behind Guglielmo Vicario in the pecking order.
Last season, under Ange Postecoglou, Kinksy was given an extended period in the starting eleven swiftly after joining the club in January after the Italian goalkeeper suffered a long-term ankle injury. His impressive performances, including his debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Liverpool, were notable.
However, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has reported a decline in the youngster’s displays, including during training sessions. As he is seven years younger than Vicario, Kinksy is seen as a future prospect for the north London club. Vicario, despite a mostly positive start under Thomas Frank, has faced criticism this season, with doubts raised about his ability to command his area.
The goalkeeper was blamed for the goal against Leeds United, even though Spurs managed to secure a victory and move into third place. This has sparked rumours of potential movement in the January transfer window for an alternative option in goal.
Mokbel, in a Q&A on the BBC Sport website, has dismissed talk of a move for a new ‘keeper in the upcoming January transfer window. However, while debunking reports of new goalkeepers joining at the start of the year, he revealed concerning sign regarding Kinsky’s progress following a recent dip in the 22-year-old’s performance levels.
“I don’t believe a new goalkeeper will be a priority for Tottenham anytime soon,” he stated. “With regards to Kinsky – he made a very promising start to life at Spurs when he arrived in January. He played regularly under then manager Ange Postecoglou because Vicario was a long-term injury absentee.
“But I’ve been told that his performances dropped off, even in training, once Vicario moved closer to fitness. That certainly raised an alarm for the previous coaching team.” It certainly looks as though Frank has not seen that problem as of yet judging by his verdict when confirming Kinsky would start the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers.
“I’m very happy with him as a goalkeeper,” he said. “I think he’s a very good goalkeeper, and I think he’s got very good potential. For any player that is not starting, they’re not happy. Some probably understand it a bit more, or outfielder sometimes. If you’re young, you try to get your way into it, but at a certain stage, you always want to play. The same with the goalkeeper. “