Arsenal legend Ian Wright critical of Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sell Kyle Walker-Peters after England call-up
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast (h/t Evening Standard), Arsenal legend Ian Wright was critical of Tottenham Hotspur for their decision to sell defender Kyle Walker-Peters after his recent England call-up.
The Englishman came through the ranks at Spurs’ academy and eventually made his first-team bow, but could not establish himself in the senior squad and moved on to Southampton, where his form has earned him a call-up to the senior England national team.
Wright, who won a Premier League title with Arsenal, slammed Tottenham for selling Walker-Peters and said that the academy star was a better player in comparison to Serge Aurier, who the club had brought in during the summer of 2017.
“Kyle Walker-Peters. Its great to see him. I remember watching him at Tottenham and I’m thinking they got rid of him and brought in Serge Aurier. When I watched Serge for a couple of games I’m thinking ‘I’m sorry, Kyle Walker-Peters is a better player.”
The 24-year-old has been tearing it up in the Premier League at St. Mary’s Stadium, becoming the first choice for the team and finally showcasing his skills and abilities that made him a highly-rated academy product in north London.
“He’s a better player”
Since the departure of Walker-Peters to the Saints, the Lilywhites have roped in several right-backs, including Aurier, Matt Doherty, and Emerson Royal. Of these players, only the latter two remain at the club, with Aurier moving to Villarreal last year permanently.
Wright compared the current defenders that Spurs have, questioning why the club decided to sell the now-Southampton star when Royal and Doherty had not been convincing or on the same level as Walker-Peters when they play.
“They brought Emerson Royal in and I’m saying I’m sorry, he’s a better player. And even with Doherty, who does great stuff going forward, I’ve watched Walker-Peters and I’m glad he’s got the call-up. I’m thinking why have Tottenham got rid of him when you see how he plays?”
Wright’s comments reflect highly on Walker-Peters and his talent, with the Gunners legend seemingly a big fan of the defender. Although he did not get the chance to impress while in north London, he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands while at St. Mary’s.
At Spurs, the then-youngster had to compete with Kieran Trippier and Aurier for a spot at right-back. Trippier was an England international and a key player of the first-team, so chances came far and few for both Aurier and Walker-Peters.
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However, once the senior defender departed for Atletico Madrid, many expected Walker-Peters to step up and compete with Aurier for the right-back spot, but unfortunately, the Ivorian got the better opportunities. The latter now plays for the Yellow Submarines under ex-Arsenal boss, Unai Emery.
Walker-Peters has grown leaps and bounds since his exit from Tottenham, and his latest England call-up is proof of that. Had we kept him at the club and let him play second-fiddle to other right-backs, perhaps he would not have gotten to the level that he is at right now. If the club looks to bring him, not many Spurs fans will question that call- but there is no real indication of that yet.
