Media doubted Lloris but we didn't - Pavard
Lloris arrived at the World Cup a man under scrutiny following errors in France's warm-up matches and a number of poor performances for Tottenham across the course of the 2017-18 season.
He has since kept two clean sheets from four matches in Russia, including one in France's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Uruguay in which he pulled off one particularly outstanding save from a Martin Caceres header, diving low to his right for a one-handed reaction stop.
And Pavard says the captain has led by example, telling reporters: "He is really an exceptional goalkeeper. He has had a great career, he's our captain.
4 – Hugo Lloris has made more saves in the first half against Uruguay (4) than in 10 of his previous 11 full #WorldCup games. Busy. pic.twitter.com/FuTzVOsOHz
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) July 6, 2018
"He is a leader, on and off the field. He gave an outstanding performance [against Uruguay]."
Lloris will go head-to-head with his rival at club level, Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois, when France take on Belgium in Tuesday's semi-final.
The match will be Lloris' 103rd appearance for France and Pavard has no doubts about the man playing behind him.
"We never had doubts about him - you [media] doubted him," said the full-back.
"We, we trust him. He proves to everyone that he is a great goalkeeper."