Ian Wright has claimed that Tottenham were wrong to sell Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton in 2020. The 24-year-old has taken his game to another level on the south coast and was rewarded with his first senior England call up earlier this week.
Walker-Peters’ emergence as an England international further exposes Spurs’ problems in terms of recruitment for the right-back position since his departure. The likes of Serge Aurier, Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal have all failed to establish themselves as permanent fixtures of the first team.
Doherty’s form has improved under Antonio Conte, but whether or not he goes on to become the club’s long-term solution is yet to be determined. Spurs were linked with a move for Adama Traore in January and reportedly wanted to utilise the Spaniard in a right-wing back role before he opted to join Barcelona, suggesting that the club still want to sign another player in that position.
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Wright revealed his bemusement as the decision to sell Walker-Peters on his Wrighty’s House Podcast. And also claimed that Spurs would’ve been better off putting their faith in their academy graduate instead of signing the likes of Aurier and Doherty.
“Kyle Walker-Peters. It's 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?'”
