Serge Aurier relishing Matt Doherty battle at Tottenham Hotspur
According to football.london, Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier has insisted that he is relishing the competition with Matt Doherty for the first-choice right-back spot.
Tottenham signed Doherty from Wolves in the summer transfer window. The Irishman started the season as the first-choice at right-back, with Aurier being used in cup games and the Europa League.
However, the new signing’s failure to make the desired impact, coupled with him being quarantined for a period, gave Aurier a way back into the side. The Ivory Coast international has since been the preferred option in the Premier League games, although he has blown hot and cold over the course of the season.
Speaking of the competition for places, Aurier has claimed that having lost his spot made him hungry and work harder. He further added that he loved the challenge posed by the battle for a regular starting berth.
“I didn’t start the first few games of the season – now I have played a few games in the last few months. So, I didn’t start the season in the team, but that is what I like. I never give up. When I don’t play, I stay calm. Of course, I am hungry because I want to play, and I know my opportunity is coming.
“I have to be ready for that – that is always the situation. I don’t begin a season believing that I am first choice – that might be the case, it might not be. But I always give my best and try to change the manager’s mind. I like that challenge. It is always a big challenge for me.”
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It would be fair to say that neither Aurier nor Doherty have been totally convincing. Better performances are expected from the duo as we enter the second half of the season.
