Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has accused Tottenham Hotspur and France supporters of 'living in a dream world' when it comes to judging Hugo Lloris.
The 31-year-old skippered his national side to World Cup glory in the summer and is widely regarded as one of European football's top stoppers.
Lollichon is not convinced by countryman Lloris's qualities between the sticks, though, and instead rates Paris Saint-Germain's Alphonse Areola - a player Chelsea tried and failed to sign last month - as the better goalkeeper.
"People live in a dream world when it comes to Lloris a bit too much, but for me Areola is above," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "Against Germany, he was positionally very good and in his ability to come out.
"It's the basis of all goalkeepers, but not everyone does it well. He's proactive in his anticipation. I didn't wait until Thursday to discover Alphonse.
"For me, he's the best current French goalkeeper. He has all the characteristics to be France's number one. The height, ability with ball in his feet, wingspan, his diving ability, footwork. He's the most adapted to how they play."
Areola has started half of PSG's four Ligue 1 matches this term, conceding a combined three goals.
Daniel Lewis
