Anton Walkes may not be playing in a back three in MLS, but he is both versatile and suited to Tottenham’s system.
Tottenham Hotspur have slowly transitioned to a 3-4-2-1 formation over the past 12 months.
Eric Dier often slotted into the back line alongside Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen last season, but Spurs have now signed a specialist in the form of Davinson Sanchez.
With Tottenham seemingly set on this system now, any new players – either brought through the youth system or signed in the transfer window – should be looking at where they can fit in.
Anton Walkes, who is currently on loan at Atlanta United, should find that his MLS switch has worked hugely to his benefit when he returns to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
If Walkes was previously somewhat of a utility man – not necessarily a bad thing in such a formation – he has now established himself in one role.
And although Atlanta play a back four, the 20-year-old’s position is actually perfectly suited for him to return as cover for Alderweireld on the right of a back three.
For while Walkes plays at right-back in MLS, Atlanta’s tactics focus on Chris McCann pushing on down the left – meaning their right-sided defender tucks inside and Hector Villalba offers the width on that side.
Walkes plays in a withdrawn role that ends up looking very similar to that which a right-sided centre-back would operate in. This particular loan move has worked perfectly.
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