It was back to the wall stuff for Tottenham for the majority of their game against Manchester City at the Etihad last Saturday. Mauricio Pochettino’s men had to put in a gutsy display to come away with a point.
Among Tottenham’s best performers on the day were midfielder Harry Winks and defender Kyle Walker-Peters. The two academy products have climbed the ladder together having lined up alongside each other through the different youth levels.
While Winks can now consider himself relatively experienced at big games, this was probably the sternest test that Walker-Peters has come up against in his Spurs career aside from a certain match in Barcelona.
The 22-year-old full who was up against one of the Premier League’s best players in Raheem Sterling said that it was the hardest game he has ever played.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Walker-Peters said: “Honestly, I’d put that down as the hardest game I’ve ever played. I’ve never been under relentless pressure like that… never.”
Meanwhile, Winks said he was proud of the defender and felt that he handled the test he was up against really well.
Winks said: “I’m really proud of Kyle. It’s a big season for him this year, he’s had a big couple of games already in the Premier League this season and now, no bigger test than playing Manchester City away and being up against Sterling, but he handled it exceptionally well.
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“I thought he was fantastic on Saturday and playing in the Under-18s with him, going all this way and continuing the journey in the first team, it’s been even more special to see him doing so well, so I’m really pleased for him.”
The England international also raved about the qualities that Walker-Peters possesses.
He added, “Physically he’s still working hard but with his whole defensive reading of the game and making big, important tackles and blocks, he’s been excellent and really worked hard on everything.
“On the ball he has an amazing quality and he’s shown that in every game he’s played, so to go away to City and to perform as he did, it’s a big statement from him.”
Spurs Web Opinion
If Aurier does leave before the close of the European transfer window, then Walker-Peters will never get a better chance to show that he is good enough to play consistently. However, once Foyth comes back from injury, I expect the Argentine to become the club’s established first choice right back before the end of the season.
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