Tottenham Hotspur sold an ‘outstanding’ talent in Kyle Walker-Peters, with Southampton legend Francis Benali full of praise for the rampaging right-back, while speaking to talkSPORT (11 February, 1.30pm).
While neither Matt Doherty or Serge Aurier seem capable of putting together a consistent run of good performances in Spurs colours, you have to wonder whether the London giants made a decision they will live to regret last August.
After an impressive loan spell on the South Coast, Southampton paid just £12 million to sign Walker-Peters on a full-time basis .
So far, the evidence suggests that Ralph Hasenhuttl got one hell of a bargain.
Walker-Peters has evolved from a somewhat inhibited youngster into one of the Premier League’s most complete full-backs, as aggressive going forward as he is at the back.
Tottenham’s loss has most certainly been Southampton’s gain.
“Outstanding; what a signing,” said Benali, who made over 300 league appearances for the Saints between 1988 to 2004.
“He’s been absolutely outstanding; just composed, not the biggest physically, but he takes up some great positions.
“He’s a key figure, not just defensively but more importantly in the way Ralph plays, the high intensity and (fulfilling) his duties in an attacking sense.”
Two weeks after performing a brilliant man-marking job on Sadio Mane during Southampton’s 1-0 victory over reigning champions Liverpool, Walker-Peters made the difference at the other end as the Saints knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup.
It was his wicked cross that Gabriel Magalhaes deflected into his own net – the only goal of the game.
It is no coincidence that Southampton’s form has dipped alarmingly during Walker-Peters’ recent injury; his absence keenly felt in 9-0 and 3-2 defeats to Manchester United and Newcastle.
So it was a major boost when Hasenhuttl confirmed the 23-year-old was fit to return for tonight’s FA Cup clash with Wolves (Echo).
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