Who starts at right-back for Spurs could be an interesting contest throughout the season, with early signs of dominance to be revealed in pre-season. Kyle Walker is the most revered candidate for right-back, although the addition of Kieran Trippier and DeAndre Yedlin could easily usurp him if his performances lull. But, who is most likely to start at right-back for Spurs?
Let’s start with Kyle Walker, a well known and respected player for Spurs who has 117 appearances so far at the club. However, his inconsistency and lack of concentration has caused him to fall down the pecking order at Spurs. Nevertheless, he has gained 11 caps for his country and has lit up the Premier League with his pace and aggression going forward. His overlapping is often very important in providing width and, therefore, crosses into the box.
Many times last season, Pochettino played with inverted wingers who cut inside, often leaving the team very narrow. Walker would often be the widest man on the right side, making him a key player. His attacking play is good, but often his defensive capabilities are a cause for concern. Unfortunately, Walker is prone to silly fouls due to his often feisty temperament.
Last season he suffered two injuries, one to his lower abdominals, requiring an operation which put him out for the majority of first half of the Premier League season. The second injury was just 15 league games later, curiously the result of a tackle from Kieran Trippier.
Statistically, Walker won 53.06% of all duels, which was only 0.31% less than Trippier per 90 minutes, which coming back from injury bodes well for Walker’s future. But, Yedlin has created 0.84 chances per 90 minutes in MLS compared to Walker’s 0.67. Perhaps this is representative of the different leagues, or alternatively represents the superior attacking quality of Yedlin, who is better defined as a wing-back rather than a full-back.
Kieran Trippier poses the most obvious threat to Walker. Not only does Trippier have Premier League experience, but he is also the same age as Walker and, therefore, acts as direct competition to his starting place. This rivalry is very beneficial for the squad, as it only takes a glance over at the competition of Danny Rose and Ben Davies to see how enhanced Rose’s performances became.
Interestingly, Trippier created 1.66 chances per 90 minutes last season, which highlights his ability to get forward just like Walker and Yedlin. For a defender to be creating almost two chances every game is very promising because it offers Harry Kane an extra two chances, and he certainly won’t pass up both of them. As for Roberto Soldado…
However, refocusing on Trippier it is clear to see that he is a solid Premier League right-back, with plenty of years left to improve his game and reach his peak. Trippier hasn’t made his England first team debut yet but has featured from U-18 through to U-21 level. It’s just a matter of time for the new signing, who will only continue to grow alongside Walker and provide invaluable competition for that starting place.
Saving the best till last? Possibly. DeAndre Yedlin is a promising young man indeed, already decked out in 19 USMNT caps in both right-back, wingback, and wide midfield positions. His lightning pace is reflective of Walker mk.II: a frightening asset that will prove frustrating for Premier League opposing fullbacks to deal with. Just imagine a wing with Walker and Yedlin flying down the touchline together. Unfortunately, the real life beautiful game isn’t all about pace, more and more the technical side of football is paramount to physical ability.
Yedlin’s stand-out stats are his lack of defensive errors per 90 minutes, only 0.03 (Walker 0.07 and Trippier 0.08) which highlights his defensive ability, which is also backed up by 2.72 interceptions per 90, also surpassing Walker and Trippier. This is a bit strange for a player who arguably is better suited as a wing-back and even a winger, but pleasing nonetheless. Yedlin is yet to prove himself in the Premier League and the jury is definitely still out. He has a lot to prove in order to start for Spurs, and may even be loaned out before finally making his mark. Expect him to feature in European or Cup games if he stays.
Spurs have three solid right-backs. Walker will hopefully step up his performances under pressure from Trippier, but Trippier isn’t exactly a worse player than Walker and will put in some stoic performances for Spurs. Yedlin is unlikely to start for Spurs and a loan deal seems the best option, as this lad is a future star provided that he receives enough match experience.
