Tottenham Hotspur sold Kyle Walker to Manchester City in 2017 and replaced him with Kieran Trippier
Gareth Southgate is spoiled for choice at right-back. In Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker, the England manager can choose from two of the best in the business right now.
But who is better: the man Tottenham sold to Manchester City for £52 million in the summer of 2017 or the one who has since established himself as the first-choice right-back under Mauricio Pochettino in North London?
Well, according to Danny Murphy, there is only one winner if Tripper and Walker go head-to-head for a place in England’s starting XI should Southgate opt for a new-look four man defence.
“If you’re playing a back four, Walker is streets ahead of Trippier. He’s as comfortable and as powerful as a full-back as there is in world football,” former Tottenham midfielder Murphy told Jim White on talkSPORT (15 October, 12.45pm).
“Trippier stuggled against (Sadio) Mane and (Leroy Sane) last season. although he is a great crosser of the ball, he’s improved since then and had a great World Cup. But, in a four, Walker by a 100 per cent, a million per cent.”
Tripper was outstanding for England in the World Cup this summer, starring at right-wing back and even scoring a stunning free-kick in the semi-final defeat against Croatia.
Walker, meanwhile, impressed in an unusual role in a back three. And if Southgate is willing to experiment with a four-man backline, the Manchester City man surely has to get the nod.
After all, while Tripper is arguably the best crosser of the ball England have had since David Beckham, he can be left exposed defensively on occasions.
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