Vorm in top condition on Spurs pre-season return

Michel Vorm believes he is in the shape of his life as Tottenham returned to pre-season ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

The Dutch goalkeeper has been the understudy to Hugo Lloris since arriving at White Hart Lane in 2014.

Now 33, he will continue in that role this year, but while his game time is limited, he believes the style that Spurs play ensures that everyone feels involved, and has helped him stay motivated heading into the new season.

He said: “At times as a goalkeeper you can play games and you won’t have a lot to do, but here you always need to be ready, to be switched on.

“The way we play, we have to be alert all the time. It’s a challenge, especially mentally and even though I’m turning 34 in October, I’m still learning. It keeps you sharp. I’ve never been as fit as this in my whole career and that’s down to the manager and the coaching staff.

“Sometimes people don’t believe me, they say ‘are you 26, 27?’ but that’s how I feel. In the past I had a few injuries and I was thinking ‘come on, I’m only 26’ but now I’m almost 34 and I feel great.

“That’s down to the work we’ve done in the last few years. As I said, I don’t say I love it, but I need it and it’s certainly easier for me than when I was younger!”