Speaking throughout the 2015-16, it was always a case of step-by-step for captain Hugo Lloris - and it's a philosophy he'll take into next season.

There is no denying that a fantastic campaign ended in bitter disappointment on the final day at Newcastle United.

But the facts remain - a best-ever third place finish in the Premier League and Champions League football to look forward to next term, let alone fewest defeats (six) in a top-flight season, fewest away defeats ever (three), most goals in a PL season (69) and, of particular interest to Hugo, fewest goals conceded (35) in a PL campaign.

"It was a really good experience for a young team," said Hugo, who now shoulders the responsibility of captaining hosts France in Euro 2016.

"We’ve built this season in terms of confidence and in terms of performance. I think it will help the team make one more step forward for next season because we know if we start with a strong mentality we can repeat the same kind of season.

"To become a great team you need patience, especially when you build a young team. I think step by step we’re improving individually and collectively and we can feel we're more competitive and more consistent. I’m confident for the next few years if we keep the same mentality day by day."

We completed the season level with Manchester United in terms of goals conceded but we had the best goal difference (plus-34) in the Premier League.

"I’m really pleased to see the defence as the best in the league, that’s important for me and the defenders," added Hugo.

"It’s only in England you talk about clean sheets, in France and countries around Europe you judge a defence on goals conceded!

"But that doesn’t matter, we know what we are doing and we’ll be hungry next season to concede fewer goals, to score more goals, to win more games and finish with more points because we are so young and the potential is so big."