Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Chris Waddle believes that it is clear by now that Serge Aurier is not the answer to Spurs’ problems at right-back.
The right-back has improved since the arrival of Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese’s system allowing Aurier to maximise his attacking qualities.
However, the Ivory Coast international’s poor decision making at the back reared its ugly head once again against Sheffield United last Thursday.
The right-back was particularly at fault for the home side’s second goal as he failed to track his man.
Waddle believes Spurs need to upgrade on the former PSG man when the transfer window opens in the summer.
The 59-year-old also admitted to being puzzled at Toby Alderweireld being left on the bench in favour of Eric Dier.
He insisted that centre-back is another area where Spurs need to bolster ahead of the next campaign.
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Waddle wrote in his column for The Racing Post: “Something has to be done at right-back because Serge Aurier is just not the answer.
“Yes, he offers an attacking outlet but a defender needs to defend and any time I see him I think a calamitous mistake is never far away. Good players are great decision-makers and his choices can be terrible at times.
“I watched the West Ham match the other day and his misplaced passes were terrible at times.
“Mourinho needs someone who is going to be more consistent, in the way that Ben Davies is on the other side of the pitch.
“Then there is the centre-back issue. Jan Vertonghen looks as if he has gone on too long and the situation with Toby Alderweireld is very puzzling.
“There was all the fuss about whether he would sign a new contract or not and then, when he does put pen to paper, he isn’t playing.
“Maybe Mourinho thinks Eric Dier might be the answer – he was just as guilty with the poor passing against West Ham as Aurier – but it is an area where Spurs are going to have to invest.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Based on the rumours in the press, a new right-back and a centre-half are both on Jose Mourinho’s wish list this summer. I actually believe Aurier’s poor delivery is a bigger issue than his occasional defensive mistakes. His crossing is just too inconsistent despite getting into some great positions. Ironically, I believe Trippier will be an excellent fit for the right-back role in the system that we play under Jose.
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