Lloris says Spurs defensive strength built into their DNA

Tottenham’s back-line was impregnable at times last season and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes defensive strength is built into the team’s DNA.

Harry Kane and his 35-goal season may have stolen plenty of headlines but Spurs conceded a Premier League low of 26 goals, three fewer than the second-most miserly team, Manchester United.

It’s the second season in a row the North Londoners have sported the league’s best defensive record after letting in 35 goals, the same as United, in 2015-16.

The most recent campaign efforts also set a club record and as the last line of defence, French international Lloris understandably takes great pride in those sort of statistics.

Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

“It’s the second-successive season we’ve done it [conceded the fewest goals in the league] and that is down to our basics,” said Lloris.

“Okay, scoring goals is important but the most important thing is to have a balance, not conceding easy chances and conceding goals because then the game becomes less difficult to win.

“Last season we became the best defence, this season we’re the best defence and that has to be in your DNA, not conceding chances, not conceding goals, playing good football and creating chances.

“Everyone knows what they have to do on the pitch and it’s about positioning, passing, possession and in defensive areas, in both boxes, we need to be clever, smart and have that killer instinct.”