Aurier Signs for Tottenham Hotspur
Serge Aurier signs for Tottenham Hotspur, after departing Paris Saint-Germain for around £23m. Aurier has signed a four year contract.
Attributes
Spurs heavily strengthen their defence with this flying fullback. He is a quality young player, capable both defensively and offensively. This is due to his ability to bomb down the wing, showing the attacking intent that is so important in Pochettino’s wing-back system. In addition, his strength and pace are another two key assets that allow him to dominate his opponents.
Already, he has won the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast in 2015. In an otherwise lacking squad, Aurier, therefore, brings some experience of winning trophies and with it, the desire to win more. It helps to have a winner at the club, to inspire those around him and to be able to compete in finals. This season is vitally important as another opportunity, perhaps one of the last opporunities, to seize upon some silverware. Aurier could be another piece of the Tottenham jigsaw to consolidate and build upon a sparkling first team.
Controversy
He has been involved in many off the pitch incidents. This includes attacking his own team-mates and manager over social media using homophobic language and assaulting a police officer. As a result, he has been banned from entering the country, with his work permit rejected. Spurs will have to work around and hope that they can get this player pardoned and into the squad.
The instances of such behaviour do not spell well for the club. Disruption and ill-discipline are not welcome in any dressing room, let alone Pochettino’s. He is a manager that will not take any comments or division. Thus, perhaps this is a player that could be reigned and controlled for the sake of gaining a quality right-back. But, this is a player that must be closely monitored, or else he could risk spreading the unease among other squad members. Disharmony in the squad would be catastrophic for a club so close to regaining some glory.
Walker-Peters’ Minutes
One major impact of this transfer would be to limit Kyle Walker-Peters’ playing time. With him and Kieran Trippier already at the club, adding Aurier would surely result in him sliding down the pecking order. As a result, Walker-Peters may find himself struggling to compete against an expensive foreign signing. This doesn’t necessarily mean that he will never feature for the club this season, but it does mean it is more likely that he will feature from the bench. But, injury and suspensions often play havoc through a season, and thus, Walker-Peters may still yet get his chance.
Verdict
Aurier is a controversial player for his off-pitch activities, but a brilliant one whilst he’s on the pitch. There is no doubting his technical or athletic ability, which places him as one of the finest full-backs in Europe. Indeed, his attacking intent and pace are key attributes that will help to boost the Tottenham side. Pochettino has to keep a close grip on the player, to ensure that his behaviour is appropriate to the club. Otherwise, this could be an excellent signing.
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