Who is Tottenham’s best right back: Kieran Trippier or Kyle Walker?
Kieran Trippier is making a charge to seize Tottenham’s right back position from Kyle Walker
Tottenham is blessed two excellent options at the right back position. Both Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier have proven they can play the spot at a high level. Which player is truly the Spurs first choice at the moment though?
The Case for Kieran Trippier
If you like to see a multitude of crosses fly into the box from the right-wing, then Kieran Trippier is your man. He certainly is the superior offensive option over Walker given his skillful ability to create goal scoring opportunities for others via the cross.
Trippier showed the full range of his abilities in Tottenham’s 1-0 over Watford at White Hart Lane. Not only did he score the goal that proved to be the Spurs’ game winner, but he terrorized the Hornets down the right flank. In truth, he deserved to have at least one assist from the multitude of tantalizing crosses he sent into the danger area.
That part of Trippier’s game against Watford was nothing new for Tottenham fans. Every time he’s gotten onto the pitch this season he’s been a sincere threat going forward. There’s no question he adds a different dimension to the Spurs attack from the right back position.
More from Playing for 90
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Baffling Liga MX ruling strips Puebla of a hard-earned victory
The former Burnley man is also a better defender than you might think when you see his slight frame. He may not be able to out muscle the largest attackers in the Premier League, but his sense of positioning and anticipation are outstanding. Those skills allow him to be at the very least, an average defender.
The Case for Kyle Walker:
Walker is in many ways the very opposite of Trippier. Walker relies on his immense athleticism to make up for his lack of skill. He might be the most athletic player on the Tottenham roster.
Walker provides width to the Tottenham attack as well, just in a different way than Trippier. He uses his pace to threaten opposing defenses with the ball at his feet. His ability to make a threatening, overlapping run causes real problems for opposing defenses.
More from Premier League
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Premier League match preview: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
- Jadon Sancho refutes Erik Ten Hag’s comments
- Arsenal win in added time drama as United suffer last-minute agony
- Rudderless Chelsea lose to Nottingham Forest
Unfortunately, he oftentimes lacks any sort of end product. While he takes up dangerous positions that cause defenders to react to him, he struggles to make opponents pay. There’s a reason that Walker plays full back despite his outstanding athleticism. If he was as skilled as he is athletic he’d be an attacker for Barcelona.
Defensively, when he’s switched on mentally Walker can overwhelm any opponent. On his day, he uses his outstanding speed to chase down balls and players that no other defender in the Premier League can think about running down. He also is a physical presence that can fight off even the largest Premier League centre forward. His combination of athleticism and competitiveness make him an above average defender.
It has to be said though, that occasionally Walker can switch off and render his physical gifts useless. He is certainly more prone than Trippier to a mental error that can give up a Spurs goal. He has the ability to make the very challenging play, but also to blow the routine. He can be quite frustrating.
The Right Choice:
The beauty of this argument is that there really isn’t a right answer. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is blessed with two really good options at right back. He will continue to use both liberally down the stretch for Tottenham.
Against teams that have dominating attacks, he might be more likely to select Walker. A team like Everton that features the hulking Romelu Lukaku and the speedy Gerard Deulofe, might overwhelm Trippier defensively. Walker can stand up to that physical test.
Related Story: The rational view of Tottenham's striking situation
On the other hand, when facing teams who aren’t quite as athletic going forward, Trippier is the better choice. His ability to produce scoring chances from the right-wing are invaluable to Tottenham against teams that want to park the bus against them. That’s exactly what made him the perfect player to start against Watford.
The Walker-Trippier debate can range on amongst Tottenham fans, but you can bet Pochettino loves having two terrific options on match day.