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Spurs must make fullbacks a priority to reach next level

By Spencer Sharpe

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball from Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on October 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball from Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on October 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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With both Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies both out of form and other fullbacks hurt or not trusted, Tottenham need to make this position a priority.

After Tottenham’s defeat on Monday to champions Manchester City, once again the back line was called into question. Kieran Trippier was the player singled out as his double mistake led to City’s opening goal. Trippier almost always struggles with pacey wingers, and this was on display again. Serge Aurier was on the bench, not fit or trusted to start.

Davies also had a rough night, but his backup Danny Rose is still out injured. Kyle Walker-Peters was on the bench as well. The Welshman has had his struggles this season, but Rose has not looked the most comfortable either, in his limited minutes.

The biggest issue is the lack of time for Kyle Walker-Peters. While he has not broken into the team completely, he has looked a talented player nonetheless. He was Man of the Match against Newcastle on his debut looking like a long-term member of the side. However, Poche has not trusted him to fill in this season, a decision which may cost him.

Wednesday in the Carabao Cup should be a great chance for Walker-Peters to get 90 minutes and try to cement a place in the first XI.

The good news is that KWP recently signed a new contract with the club and should continue to grow into a better player. If one of the fullback spots can be locked down by an academy player than all the better.

Pochettino might also want to bring in new players for the position to try and upgrade on the current starters. Getting a solid fullback is always hard because there are so few at the level Tottenham require. Over the summer, Spurs were constantly linked to Luke Shaw, mostly by rumor mills like the The Sun. Tottenham must scout an actual target that can improve the team.

Spurs have also been linked with Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo, a player that would be great competition for the team. Tottenham have had trouble completely big signings like this in the past, so they would have to jump on the deal quickly. A great crosser, passer and dribbler, Grimaldo is a more rounded player than Davies or Trippier.

This is the type of defender the squad needs to excel. Wide play and crossing are big part of the Spurs attack, but there is a lack of pace in defense. Grimaldo can add pace to the side as well as a cross.

Spurs have been blessed with great fullbacks for the past few seasons now, but now they mostly seem to be trending downward. If Tottenham want to win the Premier League, this position must be strengthened. In a pressing side like Spurs’ games can be won or lost on the wing, and right now, this is the biggest problem on the pitch.

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