Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has hailed Hugo Lloris as his team's true leader.

The French goalkeeper's communication was fully audible during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last Friday, something which has been questioned in the past.

Asked about Lloris' leadership, Mourinho told reporters at his pre-West Ham press conference: "Yeah. He's now in a privileged position because now the communication is much easier.

"I believe, I'm sure that his level of communication is exactly the same as every match in his career, but he's used to struggling for his voice to be heard. In this moment every word you say is very easy.

"Of course I always believe a goalkeeper is a good leader, and a good captain, independent of that, I always knew that a goalkeeper looking at a game in a fantastic position, to organise and be a little bit an extension of the coach, especially in the defensive organisation.

"So if we can get something positive out of the negativity of an empty stadium, of communicating."