Hugo Lloris says he trusted Mauricio Pochettino from the moment he met him – and that faith has been repaid with Tottenham's best season for over half-a-century.

Lloris, captain of France and Spurs, was considering a move two summers ago after a disastrous season at White Hart Lane that saw the departure of two managers, Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood.

Lloris was being courted by Manchester United and Paris St Germain, and considering his future, when Daniel Levy poached Pochettino from Southampton to oversee a change of culture at the club.

Hugo Lloris, in action for Spurs this season, says Mauricio Pochettino has had a huge impact on his career

Lloris was considering his future before Pochettino arrived, but says he trusted the manager straight away

And as soon as the Argentine coach had outlined his vision to Lloris, the goalkeeper signed a new five-year deal – and is reaping the rewards now.

Spurs take on West Bromwich Albion on Monday hoping to close the gap on leaders Leicester, who face Swansea at home on Sunday. And with the way Pochettino's men are playing, they believe they can overtake Leicester if the Foxes slip again, as they did last weekend.

Lloris and his defence have been fundamental to Tottenham's title charge, going from the fifth-worst defence in the Premier League last season to the best, halving the number of goals conceded in total and goals per game ratio.

Only four teams conceded more than the 53 goals Spurs let in last season, at an average of 1.4 per game. But now they are way ahead of the rest, with only 25 conceded at an average of 0.75 per game.

It is a remarkable transformation, but could have been impossible if Lloris had decided to leave.

'I had some concerns and questioned myself two years ago, after AVB and Sherwood had been in charge, but the first meeting with Mauricio Pochettino was very clear for me and my future,' he said.

Lloris, making a save for Mauricio Pochettino's side, has helped guide Spurs to second in the Premier League

'I trusted him from the first second I met him. I really understand what he wants, and fully agree with his football views. We have the same football view.'

Lloris has kept 13 clean sheets so far, compared to only eight last season, and says the all-round defensive improvement is down to the manager's style.

'He has changed everything, both in training and in the squad. It is his mentality, his personality. We can feel we have improved a lot. We have a real identity now and that is very clear.

'Our fans are very proud of the way we play; we try to play good football but you also need to be aggressive in this league. If you have a good philosophy and add aggression and hunger, because we are young, it is very good. Now we feel we are ready to compete against any team.'

Pochettino (centre) has transformed his Tottenham side who are challenging for the Premier League title

At 29, Lloris is the oldest player in the youngest team in the league, with an average age of 24, and he says there is an exciting future.

'As we come to the end of the season, the appetite of the team gets bigger and bigger, and with the young lads we have in the squad, its very, very positive.