Tottenham have three quality right backs
Unlike the club’s predicament at left back, Tottenham may actually have too many quality right backs in the squad. Everyone knows that Kyle Walker is firmly entrenched as Pochettino’s number one choice, but there’s significant quality behind the English international as well.
Immediately behind Walker on the Spurs depth chart is Kieran Trippier. The former Burnley star has really improved over the past year under Pochettino. In fairness to him, he’s likely getting everything he can out of his limited athletic ability at this point. He lacks the electric pace that Walker possesses, but can provide killer crosses into the box. Trippier isn’t necessarily a perfect fit for Pochettino’s system, but he’s an above average backup at the position.
He also has the quality to start for a number of Premier League clubs. It’s a fair question as to whether or not Trippier will want to stay this summer. It’s entirely possible he will want to secure a move to a club where he can be the starter. I certainly wouldn’t blame him for that sort of decision.
You can’t forget about the presence of Tottenham’s third right back in the squad either. Kyle Walker-Peters hasn’t broken through yet, but he’s training with the first team on a regular basis. He isn’t ready for consistent Premier League action yet, but a good summer might be enough to get him to that level. If he does make that sort of jump, it could make Trippier a valuable asset for Daniel Levy to sell this summer.
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In the end, it’s likely going to be one year too early to part with Trippier. Walker-Peters isn’t quite ready to overtake him in Pochettino’s pecking order. As I said he could get there with an excellent summer, but the odds are slightly against it.
As such, I’d expect Tottenham to stick with their current right back options this summer. Absent a silly bid for either Walker or Trippier it seems that Spurs will be content to persist another year with their current options.
Next: Tottenham must address their left back position this summer
The clock is ticking for Kieran Trippier though. Kyle Walker-Peters will take his job eventually. When he does, look for Spurs to put Trippier on the transfer list and secure a tidy profit when he’s sold.