Full backs where do you sit?

[lukespurs7]

So this debate has gone back and forwards at different times of the season and during the last few seasons.

I think we can all agree that when we had a fully fit Walker and Rose bombing on down both sides that is when we looked at our best. Since then we’ve sold Walker and his replacement Aurier has split opinion, and Rose got injured and threw his toys out of the pram and looks to be leaving.

So before the summer window I’m interested to see what the majority opinion is on our current full-backs.

Going by the fact that in the big games Trippier & Davies have started that seems to now be our 1st choice pair with Aurier and Rose back/ups and KWP’s a 3rd choice for each position.

I personally think we need to upgrade Trippier if possible and possibly Davies but not as concerned about him, the reason being that our full backs are so so key to the style of play Poch wants us to play.

On one hand if you look at stats I think KT & BD have created the most chances of any prem full backs this season and haven’t even started every game, BUT that is also down to the way we play putting a huge emphasis on them being given licence to get forward.

For me even in a back 4 the keys to the role of our full-back are: pace, creativity, physicality, ability to beat a man in final 3rd and get a good cross in, positional sense + ability to defend 1v1.
When on form Rose and Walker ticked all those boxes, Davies ticks most of them but lacks a little pace and Trippier although having improved greatly and whilst having a good delivery he does lack pace, defending ability 1v1 and physicality.

I’m hoping Aurier can step up next season s he has all the attributes to be the kind of full back we need but not so hopeful.

Also it’s all about balance, Davies isn’t so much of an issue if we have a pacey direct Son infront of him and a more pacey attacking full-back on the right hand side but when we have both of these playing in the big games we become slow, safe and predictable and this is why I think we need to seriously look at improving one or both of them.

Look at what Dani Alves used to offer for Barca, same for Evra for Man.U, Marcelo for Madrid,Alex Sandro for Juve, Lahm for Bayern, Cole for Ars/Chelsea, Alonso for Chelsea, Walker and Rose for us, they can all beat and man and would be a constant threat but can also defend very well.

The alternative is to sign a more creative CM and another attacking option similar to Lucas so we have more threats from different areas but if we want to maximise playing how we currently do then I think we should consider upgrading.

The other consideration is KWP, can be step up and give us what we need?

Will Rose actually surprise us all and stay next year, very unlikely IMO but if so then I think a combo of a fit and focused rose and Davies is fine for LB. Will we bring Sessengon in and could he be an option as an AM but also as an attacking LB if needed...

So what is the general consensus?

 

[onthetwo]

The more I think about it, the less likely it is that Rose leaves given that he’s barely played for a season and a half now. Would Levy sell for a price to reflect that record I.e sub-£20m?
So for me, if he and Aurier knuckle down over the summer we could end up looking a lot stronger in the FB ranks for next season.

 

[thinktank]

Ideally, we need Tripps and Davies to be #2s and upgraded upon; but that's much easier said than Don£.

 

[werty]

Happy with Rose, Trippier and Davies. If we can upgrade on Aurier then great, but we're unlikely to get our money back on him and I think we should use the money on other areas.

 

[DJS]

For me, I’d like to see Walker-Peters given the proper opportunity to establish himself in the team with either Trippier / Aurier sold to make way (don’t care which).

Left-back is a little trickier.

In ideal world you’d want a fully committed and fit Rose to storm back and regain his place but if not possible we need someone else in.

Davies has done well but want someone a bit more athletic and pacy.

Davies can also play left centre back if we switch to back three (and either Vertonghen being rested / not available / playing in centre of the three).

 

[Charly***]

Davies & Trippier are both more than good enough for the majority of our games, but we've certainly lost dynamism compared to Rose & Walker the year before & in certain games we've suffered as a result. Having options with pace that can overlap would improve us, otherwise we can be a bit narrow & predictable.

 

[lukespurs7]

Ideally, we need Tripps and Davies to be #2s and upgraded upon; but that's much easier said than Don£.

I agree mate am surprised to see others do too, I thought there would be more that supported them and felt that was overly critical but for me I’m not saying they’re bad players at all but I just don’t think they quite suit how we play and are good enough for the very top level which is the next level we need to go to after coming 2nd/3rd in league and getting to rd of 16 in CL we need to get marginal gains and be ruthless our player recruitment from now on in whilst also trying to keep good said harmony and spirit.

 

[lukespurs7]

Davies & Trippier are both more than good enough for the majority of our games, but we've certainly lost dynamism compared to Rose & Walker the year before & in certain games we've suffered as a result. Having options with pace that can overlap would improve us, otherwise we can be a bit narrow & predictable.

Agree mate.

 

[NickHSpurs]

I've said in the Poch thread before that I think he has improved both Davies and Trippier massively and against 90% of the sides we play they're good enough. However, I feel when we play the very best teams they just fall short and are not quite "top top" level.

 

[dontcallme]

Essentially Davies and Trippier are currently our best performing wing backs. Both decent on the ball and in possession.

But they do lack the pace to get up and down the pitch like Walker and Rose could.

Due to this I believe Poch has played the likes of Sissoko in the role of covering them.

As I want better ball players in midfield I think we need the higher energy players at wing back.

Personally I think we are good at developing so should persevere with Aurier. If Rose’s heart is in it great, if not a new left back is required.

Happy to develop KWP and buy a new backup left wing back.

Sell Davies and Trippier.

 

[Pellshek]

Cannot believe how many people are down on Trippier. I very much doubt we'll do better, and I think he's been excellent this season with intermittent opportunities.

 

[lukespurs7]

I've said in the Poch thread before that I think he has improved both Davies and Trippier massively and against 90% of the sides we play they're good enough. However, I feel when we play the very best teams they just fall short and are not quite "top top" level.

This.
So surely you agree we need to replace them so we can improve at the ‘top top’ level?
These small differences are for me what could make the difference between winning and losing.

Same with if we had another striker capable backup to Kane so in the fa cup semi we could’ve sent them on to cause problems rather than Lucas who’s a great player but was just another creative player playing in between the lines, we needed the full backs to do more and to have more up top to occupy their CB’s so Kane could get more free.

 

[lukespurs7]

Essentially Davies and Trippier are currently our best performing centre backs. Both decent on the ball and in possession.

But they do lack the pace to get up and down the pitch like Walker and Rose could.

Due to this I believe Poch has played the likes of Sissoko in the role of covering them.

As I want better ball players in midfield I think we need the higher energy players at wing back.

Personally I think we are good at developing so should persevere with Aurier. If Rose’s heart is in it great, if not a new left back is required.

Happy to develop KWP and buy a new backup left wing back.

Sell Davies and Trippier.

Agree with this except I’d argue Jan and Sanchez have performed better at CB lol

 

[dontcallme]

Cannot believe how many people are down on Trippier. I very much doubt we'll do better, and I think he's been excellent this season with intermittent opportunities.

I like Trippier, just don’t think he suits us.

 

[coy-spurs1882]

don't think we can find better rotational full backs than davies and trippier. with them starting we had some magnificent victories like 3-1 away against chelski, 3-1 real madrid, 4-1 lolpool. of course their weakness is quite obvious, without pace they may struggle against fast and tricky wingers and they cannot break the opponent's defence on their own. thus we need another full back who can match up with such wingers, as we won't be confident when we see davies playing against mane, or trippier against sane.

 

[NickHSpurs]

This.
So surely you agree we need to replace them so we can improve at the ‘top top’ level?
These small differences are for me what could make the difference between winning and losing.

Same with if we had another striker capable backup to Kane so in the fa cup semi we could’ve sent them on to cause problems rather than Lucas who’s a great player but was just another creative player playing in between the lines, we needed the full backs to do more and to have more up top to occupy their CB’s so Kane could get more free.

Yep completely agree, although I think Aurier has the potential to be the player we need him to be next season. I think Poch will work with him a lot over the summer and pre-season, people underestimate the impact of having a proper pre-season with a player which we didn't get with Serge.

If Rose isn't going to reach the levels we need anymore I'd cash in, get a real top replacement and keep Davies.

 

[lukespurs7]

Yep completely agree, although I think Aurier has the potential to be the player we need him to be next season. I think Poch will work with him a lot over the summer and pre-season, people underestimate the impact of having a proper pre-season with a player which we didn't get with Serge.

If Rose isn't going to reach the levels we need anymore I'd cash in, get a real top replacement and keep Davies.

Yep I’m also hopefully on Aurier as if he can stop doing rash challenges and sorts out his throw-ins and improves his final ball a bit then we’ve got a player on our hands.

 

[JimmyG2]

Trippier's assists are more than creditable
though he is not quick or tall or as good at crossing as often stated.
Davies had a purple patch for a few games earlier in the season
but has been negative and lacking as an attacking force lately.
KWP should be given more playing time.
Aurier was a rash buy and looks a rash player.
Rose I like if he can be persuaded to stay.
Not sure where that leaves us on your chart.

I'm going for none of the above.

 

[Gaz_Gammon]

Looking at Think Tanks team selections each week, we need to replace Davies and Trippier with Eriksen and Kane...........

 

[fortworthspur]

I wouldnt spend any money on fullbacks this summer. The current lot are serviceable and there is reason to believe KWP will be very good and we know Rose can be very good. Spend the money elsewhere.

If KWP is ready and we can get a decent fee I'd sell Aurier. Im not sure he can be coached.