Lloris admits Pochettino convinced him to stay at Tottenham

A quick word from Mauricio Pochettino was all Hugo Lloris needed to hear to stay at Tottenham.

Two years ago, Lloris admits, the French goalkeeper considered leaving the north London club for a more ambitious project. Tim Sherwood had just replaced Andre Villas-Boas on the Tottenham bench towards the end of the 2013-14 season, and the change in manager only served to upset the locker room.

"I had some concern and I question a bit myself two years ago, after AVB and Tim Sherwood were in charge," Lloris said, according to the Guardian. "I think the first meeting with Mauricio Pochettino was very clear for me, for my future.

"I think I trust him since the first second I meet him, and because I understand what he wants, fully agree about his football view. I can say we have the same football view and he's brought a lot to the team and the players."

Lloris has often been overshadowed by his outfield teammates, who have played some of the best football in the Premier League. Led by Harry Kane and Dele Alli, the Tottenham attack has produced several other-worldly goals.

But the defence is the best in the league. Lloris has kept 13 clean sheets - two shy of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart for the league lead - although 13 other goalkeepers in the top flight have faced more shots on target.

The dynamic centre-back partnership of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen is responsible for alleviating Lloris' workload, combining to limit opponents to just 25 goals against them.

It's all part of a balance Pochettino has managed to strike.

"The credit is for the gaffer. I think he changed all, inside the training ground, inside the squad, it's about his mentality, his personality," said the France captain. "We can feel we improved a lot. We have a real identity now and, from outside, it's very clear."