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Cape Town - Hugo Lloris will come up against his childhood idol Gianluigi Buffon when Tottenham face Juventus in a friendly on Saturday.
Now 39, the Italian legend has been around long enough to have inspired the 30-year-old France international back when he was coming of age at OGC Nice.
"There is something special and it's difficult to describe it, but he's a player who can inspire those around him," Lloris said.
"Juventus have had so many legendary players and there is still one there in Gianluigi Buffon. When I was younger I was completely a fan.
"He's the kind of player who can inspire you and when I was 15, 16, that kind of player and Iker Casillas as well, they both started so young and that was an inspiration for me. I wanted to start young as well and that's what I did.
"After 16 seasons [with Juventus] he shows he has the same ambition and motivation as in the past. To stay at the top at that age means you have to work harder than others and that's why he's the best. In terms of longevity, it's amazing what he's done."
Meanwhile the French international has admitted his frustration by their lack of progress in Europe but says the club will be better prepared for the Champions League this year after going out in the group stage last season.
Lloris made it to the semis of Europe's top club competition with Olympique Lyonnais in 2010 but his best European run with Spurs has been to the quarters of the Europa League in 2013.
The 30-year-old France international, who joined Spurs in 2012, said the squad under manager Mauricio Pochettino should be doing much better in Europe.
