Ian Wright told ITV Sport that he wants Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney to play as a wing-back for Scotland, so he can be ‘set free’.
The 23-year-old played on the left side of a back three for Scotland’s 1-1 draw against Israel on Sunday, with Liverpool defender Andy Robertson playing the wing-back role during the World Cup qualifier.
Unfortunately for Scotland, even though they don’t have the depth of other nations, two of their best two players play in the same position, which does test the tactical resolve of Scotland coach, Steve Clarke.
But given what Tierney does at Arsenal, going forward, on a regular basis, Wright would like to see him pushed further up the pitch, so he can showcase his attacking talents.
“I like to see Kieran Tierney, you talk about Scotland needing a bit more quality (going forward), and we have seen him all season for Arsenal,” said Wright.
“Maybe set him free a little bit. He’s playing in a three, I know he’s trying to keep it solid. But I would play him as a wing-back. And get that ball in there.
“And I would play two upfront. Dykes and Adam. Get the ball in there and get support around them.”
Given that Robertson is more proven and Scotland’s captain, Tierney will find himself adjusting to the Liverpool man, rather than the other way around.
Of course, Clarke can play a back four and utilise both Tierney and Robertson on the left side, but that then makes them vulnerable when defending.
Either way, Tierney is just taking his qualities to another level and becoming a better player by his country deploying him in a back three.
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