Blogs

Cascarino pinpoints Trippier as Tottenham’s weak link

|
Image for Cascarino pinpoints Trippier as Tottenham’s weak link

Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino has pinpointed Tottenham Hotspur right back Kieran Trippier as their weak link in Saturday’s Champions League final against Liverpool.

The England international has endured an incredibly trying season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side and could be vulnerable against the electric Reds’ attack. As a result, Cascarino has tipped a 21-year-old Spurs stars to get a surprise start at right back.

“If he [Mauricio Pochettino] plays Trippier at right back you’re asking for trouble, because Trippier isn’t the best defensively and I think [Sadio] Mane just loves to run in behind you and one of the areas cutting in behind full backs, I think that would be a big issue,” he said on talkSPORT [01/06; 09:11].

“Or he might even change personnel. Who would you look at at right back? Serge Aurier? Nope, I don’t think he’ll play. Foyth might play. The Argentinian might get a starting chance tonight, because he might feel the problem of what Liverpool offer from their wide areas.”

OPINION

Cascarino makes an interesting point, here. Trippier and Aurier are both incredibly vulnerable defensively, we’ve seen that time and time again this season. The Englishman’s descent has been stunning to witness this campaign. He was wonderful last time out and enjoyed a phenomenal World Cup in Russia last summer, of course. However, he’s gone way downhill this term and it would be a real risk to start him up against Mane on the Tottenham right on Saturday. So what are your alternatives? Aurier is one, yes. But he’s no more reliable than the former Burnley man. That’s leaves just Foyth, then, who is a centre back by trade of course. He’s played at right back before, but not always with success. However, he is better defensively than the two orthodox right backs, so it might be worth taking the risk with him against Liverpool’s magnificent attack. Let’s wait and see what Pochettino does.

Share this article