A few weeks ago, Serge Aurier claimed that he had “No competition” for his place as Tottenham’s right-back and I think he is right.
On Tuesday Spurs played Kyle Walker-Peters against Colchester United, a League Two side who find themselves in midtable, yet Tottenham could not break them down and lost 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Mauricio Pochettino decided to play a back three with Walker-Peters and Ben Davies as wing-backs, but both offered no attacking threat all game and Colchester dealt with them comfortably.
If this was Walker-Peters’ challenge to Aurier to be starting right-back, then it was pathetic.
As a wing-back, Walker-Peters had to offer some presence down the right, but he really struggled throughout.
Since Aurier was reintroduced into the side, he has provided one assist and had a goal disallowed by VAR.
The Ivorian may not be the best defender, but going forward, he is relentless – as he uses all of his physical attributes to make a real impact.
The former PSG man must have looked at Walker-Peters’ performance and thought I was right.
The only potential threat I can see to his spot is the return of Juan Foyth from injury.
The Argentine should be back soon, and he has said that he will be playing right-back this season – so it will likely be between Foyth and Aurier for a regular position in Poch’s team.
I think that Aurier, though, has the position nailed till at least January because the way Spurs play requires attacking full-backs, and the 26-year-old is the best going forward.
However, some of Pochettino’s decisions this season have been questionable – so do not be surprised to see Davinson Sanchez starting at right-back on Saturday.