Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 6-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Millwall. Here are three things to take away from the comprehensive win.
Kieran Trippier needs to be a regular starter at a top Premier League side
In the guise of England international Kyle Walker and back-up Kieran Trippier, Tottenham Hotspur have the enviable option of two high-quality right backs. However, whereas the occasional cup run-out may suffice for a younger alternative, or a player of clear inferiority to the usual first-teamer, former Burnley man Trippier must be close to reaching the tipping point regarding regular top-flight involvement – having made less than ten Premier League appearances since joining Spurs in 2015.
Trippier, who began his career without making any appearances as a rookie at Manchester City, has the ability to potentially return to the Etihad, eye a role as a long-term replacement for Antonio Valencia at Manchester United, or – considering the speculatively transient nature of Victor Moses’ role at Stamford Bridge – even be under consideration as a right wing back at Chelsea. The reality of the situation may be that Trippier, if desperate for a first team slot, finds himself meeting the full back needs of the likes of West Ham United or Southampton.
Vincent Janssen as Pochettino’s conundrum
The Netherlands international has four goals from nine caps for his country – in addition to bagging 27 goals in 34 league games for previous club AZ Alkmaar – but was yet to score from open play prior to his strike against Millwall.
Despite costing the White Hart Lane club a whopping £17 million in the summer, Janssen has struggled to make any sort of impact, as Harry Kane’s impressive progress shows no sign of slowing any time soon. Janssen, signed to help ease the burden on Kane, was snubbed as an alternative to the England front man after Kane’s early injury against Millwall – with manager Mauricio Pochettino opting to replace his first choice striker with midfielder Christian Eriksen, rather than the like-for-like Janssen.
The long-term future of the 22-year-old forward at Spurs remains to be seen; but an emerging narrative during the remainder of the season could well be the questionable role that Janssen may, or may not, have under Pochettino’s tutelage. Certainly any potential Kane injury may be worth keeping an eye on as to whether the preference for a midfielder over the Dutchman continues.
What to do with Winks?
Harry Winks made his Premier League debut earlier this season and is beginning to develop into a reliable, technically talented and effective player for Spurs. The 21-year-old’s displays have increased in quality and quantity, including a first goal on his first full 90 minutes for the White Hart Lane outfit – a November win over West Ham.
Against Millwall, Winks was at his scheming best and contributed to an excellent team performance – in addition to directly contributing to Spurs’ fourth goal with a neat turn, creation of space in the middle of the park and a marvellous pass in the lead up to Dele Alli’s strike.
Winks can be considered as an important component of Pochettino’s squad – and now offer not only a back-up option, but also a viable alternative to first choice duo Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele. The remainder of this campaign may well see Winks get further game time, but on the commencement of the 2017-18 season Spurs may well have to find a way to facilitate a starting role for the talented academy product.
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