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Verdict: Nicholas correct to name one potential worry for Spurs

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OPINION

Charlie Nicholas is correct to point out that the right side of Tottenham’s defence could become a major worry for the side in Saturday’s Champions League final.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Nicholas pointed out that Spurs may be forced to “go for it” if Liverpool score first, which could see Kieran Trippier exposed to counter-attacks at the other end.

“Tottenham have the hardest job regarding selection and they have to go up against Liverpool’s front three,” the pundit said. If Liverpool score first, do they go for it?

“If Harry Kane is not fit to start then Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son will be behind Lucas Moura probably, with Moussa Sissoko holding.

“The right side of Tottenham’s defence has been poor recently, and Kieran Trippier has been left out of the England side, as he has been exposed a bit. That is where Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino pop up, and Mane has been ruthless recently.”

Nicholas’s comments on the final should be heeded by all Spurs fans. This Liverpool front three has been the best in Europe all season, and against Trippier – who has not had the greatest of seasons following his World Cup heroics last summer – they could have a field day.

Salah and Mane both finished as the Premier League’s joint-top scorers with 22 goals alongside Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which is a worry in itself. Add Roberto Firmino to the mix, and you have a sizeable threat to deal with in attack.

There is no doubt that if Liverpool do score first, Spurs have the firepower to go for it. Son and Moura have been electric, and if you add Harry Kane to that duo – albeit likely in the place of Moura – then Spurs can also boast a sizeable threat.

But if Spurs begin to advance, Salah and Mane are two of the fastest players in the Premier League and they will not hesitate for one moment to counter-attack if needs be, and they are usually devastating when given the chance.

Against Trippier, who has had moments where he has looked shaky this season, that scenario could spell a real problem for the England international if he – and the rest of the team – are not careful.

One aspect of Trippier’s season that will put any worrying Spurs fans at ease is his record in the Champions League this season.

In seven appearances so far, he has averaged 2.4 key tackles, 1.3 key interceptions and 1.1 key clearances per game (Source: Whoscored), which show that he has come alive in Europe’s elite competition.

There is no doubt that Trippier himself will be fired up for it, but if Spurs are not careful and go aggressively chasing the game, they could be in for a tough time in Madrid.

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