It feels strange to reflect, wistfully, back to a time when Kyle Walker was flying up the wing, banging in crosses, then sprinting back to make a critical tackle on the edge of our box, particularly as he was not without his critics.
He now seems a paragon of virtue compared to all that have followed.
Trippier had his moments but the season after the World Cup in Russia was a disaster and his sale to Athletico was good business for a mediocre 29-year-old.
We then entered an unsettled spell with Pochettino experimenting with the youth of Foyth, Walker-Peters and the arrival of Serge Aurier.
Foyth played with the clueless abandon of a clown on his day off, giving away fouls and penalties as if his life depended upon it.
Walker-Peters didn’t get more than a few cameo appearances but was often considered too lightweight.
Aurier promised much and delivered pretty well with incisive runs and excellent crosses. Unfortunately, his defending was woeful and led to numerous fouls and penalties conceded.
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Doherty’s arrival should have resolved these issues. Unfortunately, he started like a rabbit caught in headlights and has struggled to fit in ever since.
Despite this, the former Wolves man’s problems seem to have been an inspiration to Aurier who has played with an assurance previously lacking.
Hopefully, both Doherty and Aurier continue to improve but, if not, Walker-Peters now a solid performer at Southampton, could make a triumphant return some day.
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