Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Vigouroux prepares for Brazil after shining at Swansea

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[Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Lawrence Vigouroux must wait to discover whether his wait for a first senior cap will come during this international break.

As Vigouroux and the rest of the Chile squad prepare for a World Cup qualifying game against Brazil in the early hours of Friday morning, the goalkeeper has never had a stronger case for international recognition.

Vigouroux, who will be 31 next month, is in his first season playing regular Championship football.

Though he was part of a Premier League squad at Burnley last term, Vigouroux’s only previous senior football has come in the lower leagues at Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, while he had a brief spell playing in Chile for Everton de Vina del Mar.

Vigouroux has played every minute of Swansea’s season so far.

“He has been top,” said Swansea head coach Luke Williams.

“He didn’t play for quite a while so he is jumping back in at the deep end and I couldn’t be more happy with him.

“I have known him since he was a young player on loan [at Swindon] from Liverpool, but he’s really matured as a man and as a player.

“I think he has a way to go to improve his distribution for example. But I am really very happy to have him here.”

Lawrence Vigouroux applauds Swansea's fansLawrence Vigouroux applauds Swansea's fans

[Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Vigouroux has conceded just six goals in nine league games. Only two clubs, Sheffield United and Burnley, have been breached on fewer occasions in the Championship this season.

The record represents a significant step forward for Swansea, who have too often been let down by defensive frailties in recent seasons.

“The whole team take credit for that but I think the goalkeeper has been incredible, the back four have been incredible,” Williams added.

“Ultimately there’s going to be big headers, big tackles, big saves from those guys and they have been outstanding.”

If he is to feature for Chile – who also take on Colombia in this international break – Vigouroux will have to dislodge current first-choice goalkeeper Gabriel Arias.

Arias, 37, plays his club football for Argentinian top-flight side Racing Club.

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