Ian Wright believes Tottenham made a mistake in selling Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton in 2020.
A product of Spurs’ academy, the 24-year-old has gone from strength-to-strength since moving to St Mary’s, initially on loan, earning his first England call-up earlier this week.
Walker-Peters’ success with Southampton comes in stark contrast to some of Spurs’ problems at right-back, with none of Serge Aurier, Matt Doherty or Emerson Royal convincing.
To his credit, Antonio Conte does appear to be getting the most out of Doherty after both Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo struggled, although it remains to be seen if the Republic of Ireland international is the long-term answer on that front.
With the club chasing a new signing in that department over the course of the January transfer window and duly failing to land Adama Traore, the decision to allow Walker-Peters to leave only months after Kieran Trippier was sold did seem somewhat short-sighted.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Arsenal legend Wright expressed his confusion.
“Kyle Walker-Peters. Its great to see him. I remember watching him at Tottenham and I’m thinking they got rid of him and brought in Serge Aurier. When I watched Serge for a couple of games I’m thinking ‘I’m sorry, Kyle Walker-Peters is a better player’,” he said.
“They brought Emerson Royal in and I’m saying I’m sorry, he’s a better player. And even with Doherty, who does great stuff going forward, I’ve watched Walker-Peters and I’m glad he’s got the call-up.
“I’m thinking why have Tottenham got rid of him when you see how he plays?”
