Vitor Matos says Lawrence Vigouroux is “one of the big souls” of the Swansea City side, and that his performances “speak for itself” when asked if the goalkeeper is good enough for the Premier League.
The Chile international made a string of saves to keep the Swans in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham.
“I think I’ve already had a lot of praise to him and as much as I can say, I can always give more. Because he’s been so consistent, he’s been so important for us,” Matos said.
‘In one moment you need to be there’
“I always say that he’s in a special position that needs special character as well. In terms of understanding that sometimes you’re going to spend maybe 60, 70 minutes without a big action and in one moment you need to be there.”
“Vigs has that mindset, has that concentration, has that mentality and that gives all of us a big comfort, of course.”
It echoes what Matos said before Burnley’s visit in September, when he said there was no better goalkeeper in the league.
From Burnley’s bench to ‘one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the league’
Vigouroux was on Burnley’s books during their Premier League season, but never made a league appearance there.
Asked whether he was good enough for the top flight, Matos pointed to his form. “I think he’s good. I think with the performances he’s putting since I’ve arrived, I think they speak for itself,” he said.
“He’s one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the league. He knows both leagues as well. He loves football.”
“I will not say maybe more football than me, but he loves it. We speak a lot about other teams. He’s always on it.”
“He’s good because that gives him the culture and understanding. Step-by-step on his career, he started to get more mature as well tactically and I think that’s really good to see.”
‘He earned his career step by step’
Vigouroux made his 100th appearance for the club at Southampton in September.
“I think what I should say is he earned his career step by step,” Matos said.
“He’s a top professional. I like him a lot in terms of character. He’s one of the big souls of the team as well, off the pitch.”
“As any goalkeeper, they can play much more years sometimes than a normal player. I think Vigs has that as well. I hope he will have much more years with success.”
QPR next, as Middlesbrough look to go top
The Swans go to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday (3pm) without Ronald, who faces six to eight weeks out with a hamstring injury.
They are a point clear at the top of the Championship, but Middlesbrough will go top if they win at Bolton tonight.
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The West Ham defeat.
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