William Gallas believes that Hugo Lloris is among the "top five goalkeepers in the world".

GettyImagesHugo Lloris is keeping his feet on the ground

The French goalkeeper will not start Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League first leg against his old club, Lyon, on Thursday with veteran stopper Brad Friedel expected to play.

But Gallas believes that Lloris has reinvigorated Tottenham's side. "I think what he's brought to the team is his youth," the centre-back said.

"He's younger than Brad [Friedel], obviously, I'd say he's in the top five goalkeepers in the world. I'd put him that high. He's a top quality goalkeeper."

Although Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas recognised that the game is significant for Lloris given that he meets his former club, he said that they have to continue the goalkeeping rotation policy for the Europa League.

"Most likely Brad is going to be in goal. It's a decision we've already taken," he explained.

"We know this tie represents a lot to Hugo on a personal level but, out of respect and confidence to Brad, we will continue to apply the same principle we have in the past and rotate the goalkeeper."