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Tottenham Hotspur Links: Kyle Walker Still Makes Mistakes

By Alexander Balano

Jul 27, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker speaks during an All-Star press conference at Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker speaks during an All-Star press conference at Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here’s the latest edition of Tottenham Hotspur Links.

Following the 1-0 loss to Leicester City in the Premier League. Today’s Tottenham Hotspur Links will be focusing on two key points that Joe Short of the Daily Express wrote. As a reminder, these are not only the author’s opinions, but it’s also an observation. That said, we don’t always have to agree with what he says.

So moving on, the first story is how Kyle Walker still makes mistakes. This is bad in a sense that these have led to a goal this season or against Leicester in today’s game, it almost cost Spurs a goal much earlier on in the match. And finally, because Dele Alli has an improved contract, wages-wise, and will remain with the team until 2021, Joe Short believes now is the time to see Alli produce even more. These are the links below.

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This is less about throwing Kyle Walker under the bus for his performance against Leicester City, because other than a clear botch of a back pass to Hugo Lloris, the England international did fine this game. Instead it’s more about an observation by Joe Short of the Daily Express. Here’s what he said below:

“Twice tonight Kyle Walker almost cost his side a goal. In the first half he sold Hugo Lloris short during a routine throw-in that let Jamie Vardy through to pass to Shinji Okazaki, who blazed by.”

“After the break he mistimed a routine back pass from a long ball which allowed Jamie Vardy through. Thankfully for Spurs, Lloris was on hand to deny Leicester’s striker.”

This observation is more or less about accepting the fact that Kyle Walker, despite having his best season with Spurs in a couple of years because of injury, still makes mistakes. Mental ones and it varies based on three different opponents when he was directly involved with two goals and another one tonight.

Against Manchester United, Walker had to backtrack and defend the Red Devils incoming attack. Unfortunately he was unlucky in that his speed let him mistime a clearance kick and shot the ball into the back of his own net.

For West Ham United, the game was already 4-0 at this point and it was basically over. However, Walker would get beat rather easily by Manuel Lanzini and cost his team a clean sheet. As a defender that’s what they strive to get every single game. This one slipped by him literally and figuratively speaking.

That being said, everyone makes mistakes so it’s nothing new. This is just an observation is all.

  • Dele Alli needs to now show consistency after new deal
    • [via Daily Express]

Another observation by Joe Short following tonight’s 1-0 loss against Leicester City is how he believes it’s now time for Dele Alli to start producing on a consistent basis. And for the most part, the 19-year-old is. But maybe, the author wants a bit more? Here’s what Joe Short wrote:

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“Dele Alli has been a breath of fresh air at White Hart Lane this season. The £5million signing from MK Dons adds a lively dynamic to Spurs’ midfield that Christian Eriksen just doesn’t quite provide.”

“The England international has scored 5 goals in 27 appearances this term – and now it’s time for him to move into the next gear.”

“Alli rightly signed a new contract at Spurs less than a year after agreeing his original £10,000-a-week deal when signing from MK Dons.”

“He may be 19 but he’s not raw to this game anymore. Fans will demand consistency now his pay reflects his potential and the midfielder must not lose sight of that.”

“Alli sparked into life twice tonight and on both occasions tested Kasper Schmeichel in the Leicester goal. He’s on course to make Roy Hodgson’s England cut for Euro 2016 and deservedly so.”

Next: Twice is Not Nice as Tottenham Lose Again at White Hart Lane

Based on what Joe Short is saying, it seems like he wants to see Dele Alli do more this season now that he essentially got double the wages he used to make, after signing a five-year contract extension. And while that’s great and all to want Alli to continue producing this season, let’s not forget that the England international is still only 19-years-old.

He’s not raw in his playing ability by any means, the kid does have talent. But at the same time this is Dele Alli’s first year in the Premier League, first season with Tottenham and first time learning under Mauricio Pochettino and his brand of football. Dele Alli deserves to get a pass at the end of the year regardless of what his final stats ends up looking. Next year is when everyone should see how far he has progressed.