Jamie Redknapp claims that Tottenham have become genuine contenders for the Premier League title after their 5-0 thrashing of Bournemouth moved them up to second in the table on Boxing Day.
Manchester City’s loss at Leicester means that Spurs moved up a place from third, having scored 11 goals in their last two fixtures.
Kyle Walker-Peters was one of the more impressive Tottenham players when they hammered the Cherries on Wednesday, and Redknapp believes that Mauricio Pochettino will be thrilled with the young right-back’s display.
“Tottenham have emerged as genuine title contenders after enjoying a free-scoring festive period so far,” he said on the Daily Mail website.
“What will please Mauricio Pochettino most about the last few days is the performance of right back Kyle Walker-Peters against Bournemouth.
“The 21-year-old endured a difficult Champions League debut at the Nou Camp earlier this month. He was robbed on halfway by Ousmane Dembele to gift Barcelona the lead.
“Wednesday was his first appearance since then and he responded by demonstrating his attacking qualities, setting up three of Tottenham’s five goals.
“Suddenly, Pochettino has three right backs — Kieran Trippier, Serge Aurier and Walker-Peters — all fighting for a place.”
OPINION
Walker-Peters has been on the fringes of the Tottenham squad this season, with him earning just four appearances across all competitions this season. The right-back was handed his first start of the Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on Wednesday and he managed to supply three assists in the game. Former Spurs star Redknapp is right about the selection headache that Pochettino is going to have. Both Trippier and Aurier have had issues with injuries and inconsistent form this season while every time that Walker-Peters has been called upon he has impressed. If Pochettino plans on dropping Walker-Peters as soon as Trippier and Aurier are available again then it might be a good idea to send the 21-year-old out on loan so that his development does not stall. Even though he is impressing in his sparse appearances, there will come a point when sitting on the bench is doing nothing for him.