Tottenham Hotspur suffered a late defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.
Graeme Souness has slammed Kieran Trippier for his performance during Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.
The outspoken Sky Sports pundit claimed that the England international isn’t a very good defender as he was critical of the part he played in Roberto Firmino opening the scoring.
The build-up to that goal saw the ball being switched to left-back Andrew Robertson, who was in the oppositions half, with right wing-back Trippier hesitant in closing him down to stop the cross. Firmino did the rest.
Speaking to Sky Sports Football at the half-time break (31/03/2019), Souness was adamant that Trippier can produce the goods going forward, but not when he is going back.
“He’s not a very good defender,” Souness told Sky Sports PL. “The ball is switched [to Robertson]. Trippier is looking over his left shoulder. He is wondering where Alderweireld is. He shouldn’t be.
“It’s easier to play with a five [at the back]. It should be easier for that wide player, the wing-back, to go and spring to the ball because you know you have three centre-halves behind you. He’s going out to the ball looking over his left shoulder and saying ‘where are you Alderweireld?’ He shouldn’t have to do that.
“Just sprint [towards Robertson who is putting in the cross] and assume Alderweireld is there [behind you]. Trippier’s strength is going forward and delivering the kind of ball that Robertson did. Not defending.”
Trippier’s performances of late have come under scrutiny, with his display at home to Arsenal before the international break being one of his poorest performances.
At the start of the season, the former Burnley player was on a high because he had just helped England reach the semi-final of the World Cup in Russia and he was one of Gareth Southgate’s standout performers.
Nonetheless, he will be looking to put his recent troubles behind him and help Mauricio Pochettino’s side finish in the Premier League top-four and progress to the next stage of the Champions League.
On Wednesday, the North London club will finally move into their new stadium with three points needed against a dangerous Crystal Palace side.
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