Tony Cascarino has praised Tottenham for the signing of defender Serge Aurier and believe he will “fit perfectly” into Mauricio Pochettino’s system.
Spurs completed the signing of the 24-year-old on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain and he made the switch for £23million.
The Ivory Coast international is recognised as a right-back and he is likely to rival Kieran for the wing-back role.
He has won two domestic titles with French giants PSG and should bring some electric speed out wide that can frighten opponents.
However, the full-back doesn’t come without his controversy as he had a suspended sentance for assaulting a police offer and a suspension for abusing manager Laurent Blanc.
Cascarino believes that Aurier can be a real asset for Spurs if he can control his behaviour and expects him to light up the English league.
“Aurier will be the first name on Mauricio Pochettino’s team sheet when he is playing well and the first out of the door when things are going wrong,” Cascarino wrote in the Times. “That is the mix you get with the Ivory Coast international and part of the reason why Tottenham Hotspur have signed him at such a competitive price. His history off the pitch balances what he does on it.
“What Aurier will bring to the Spurs team is speed at distance. The 24-year-old right back is unbelievable at getting up and down the line and he will fit perfectly into the way Tottenham play.
“He is lighting quick, the kind of player whose burst of pace will get the crowd on its feet. Nobody will want to take him on, one-on-one, because he gets over wingers like a rash.”
Aurier will get his first taste of the English leagues with Spurs and it will be his first time outside of French football.
The powerhouse defender appears to have the physicality to cope with the move and his speed should help him adapt to the pace of the Premier League.
He is known for his attacking intent and his five assists in 32 appearances last season suggests that.
OPINION
Spurs fans should be thrilled to have completed a deal for Aurier and at £23million could turn out to be a bargain. They sold on Kyle Walker for £50million and his replacement is more than half the price and has the potential to be even better. Pochettino is the perfect manager to get the best out of the fiery defender and he also looks tailor-made for the Premier League. Trippier will be concerned about the arrival of the PSG ace and Aurier is more than likely to cement the starting XI position. However, the intensity that Pochettino demands means that Spurs will rotate their wing-backs on a regular basis.