Paul Merson has praised Kyle Walker-Peters for being ‘absolutely outstanding’ at Southampton after being ‘let go by Tottenham’, as he told Sky Sports.
In 2020, Spurs sold Walker-Peters to Southampton, as Merson added that he ‘thoroughly deserves’ his recent call-up to the England squad.
Walker-Peters made his England debut during their latest international matches, playing at right-back.
At St Mary’s this season, the 23-year-old has been deployed at left-back and he has showcased his skill on both flanks.
Over in north London, it’s Emerson Royal who played at right wing-back during Tottenham’s win at Newcastle, as Merson suggested that Walker-Peters is better and called his signing a ‘gem’.
“Fair play to the lad as well,” said Merson. “That’s the most important thing.
“The lad has been let go by Tottenham really. Then, he goes there and, for me, he has been absolutely outstanding.
“He thoroughly deserves his debut for England. A good player. He’s learnt a good way to play. I mean, it’s a top club Tottenham, so he is going to learn how to defend very well there and he has done great.
“They do find their players Southampton. Even though they have a great academy, but over the years, they do find a gem. Look at the lad who is playing in his position now, Royal, how much did they buy him for? £50 or £40 million?”
It’s a credit to Walker-Peters that he has taken his game to another level, even though he dropped down from being in Europe with Spurs to a midtable team at Southampton.
Those at St Mary’s won’t like to hear it, but it will be interesting if clubs in Europe now look at Walker-Peters during the summer transfer market.
His recent England performances would have put an extra spotlight on his head.
The Saints man has a calmness to his game that is very impressive, great technical ability, a burst of pace and the ability to play on both flanks.
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