Dropped for Serge Aurier, Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier did not deserve to be benched.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier struggled against Juventus and gave away a penalty late in the first half.
The Ivorian came in for flak from his own fans for his disappointing display – but he never should have been selected in the first place.
Kieran Trippier should be annoyed with manager Mauricio Pochettino that he was once again overlooked for a big Champions League game.
The right-back has proved in recent games that he will not let his side down and that he just as capable in attack as he is defensively.
Trippier was outstanding against Arsenal, almost scored in the second half, and played a key role in Tottenham keeping a clean sheet.
His reward? Sitting on the bench for Tottenham’s biggest game of the season.
It will have been even more frustrating for Trippier that his replacement performed so poorly. Aurier had done nothing in preceding weeks to suggest he should be chosen for this opportunity.
Luckily for Trippier, Serge Aurier received a yellow card against Juventus which means he will miss the second leg through suspension.
This could work out in Tottenham’s favour, with Trippier proving over the last few weeks he is the more reliable option than Aurier, and Pochettino will not be tempted to make the wrong decision.
Trippier did not deserve to be dropped and he must use his frustration in a positive way to lift his performances to an even higher level.
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