Tottenham v Juventus: 5 harsh lessons learned by Spurs

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round Replay between Tottenham Hotspur and Rochdale on February 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

2. Spurs must improve the fullbacks

In many ways, it’s surprising that Tottenham’s fullbacks have played so well this season. If you would’ve asked Spurs fans 18 months ago if Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier would be starters against Juventus in a crucial Champions League match you would’ve been laughed out of the room.

Aurier’s suspension and Danny Rose’s inability to regain full fitness forced Pochettino’s hand against the Old Lady. It’s unclear whether or not he would have made different decisions if all four of his top four fullbacks would have been available.

Let’s start with Davies, he kept Juventus on side with his poor positioning for the first goal. He played an average match, but Spurs needed more. If Rose can’t regain his form from last season, the club will need to purchase a more dynamic partner for Davies in the summer.

At right back, this match made it clear to me that Kieran Trippier simply can’t be counted on to start important matches. He’s maximized his ability under Pochettino’s guidance, but he’s too limited athletically to be a world-class fullback. Spurs must either throw Kyle Walker-Peters into the mix or shop for a more dynamic right back as well.

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