What's new

Full backs where do you sit?

Our Full backs situation


  • Total voters
    200

shelfmonkey

Weird is different, different is interesting.
Mar 21, 2007
6,690
8,040
Got to be cut throat, we NEED to upgrade both fullbacks. We need pace and dynamism on the flanks, our current bunch don't offer those things.
 

Spursh

Well-Known Member
Jul 21, 2009
2,558
6,514
It depends on which system we favour next season. There has been talk that Poch prefers a three-at-the-back formation, and if that’s the case, then I’m not sure either Davies or Trippier suit the wingback role. Aurier, with his greater athleticism and dynamism, has greater potential in this regard. I also think KWP could well flourish as a wingback if given the chance.

I like Trippier as a fullback. He is technically very sound and has great vision going forward, but he struggles against powerful teams, and at wingback, he will only be exposed further.

Davies is a good bit stronger and physically capable, but perhaps lacks the directness and flair needed as a wingback. However, I like the idea of him as a CB on the left of a back three. He performed that role for Wales to excellent effect during their fantastic campaign at the Euros. That versatility will be important for us to adapt formations next season.

So all in all, if we go with wingbacks next term, I’d retain Aurier, Davies and KWP and let Trippier go, as well as sign a LWB. Rose seems odds-on to leave. I like the look at Bennetts from our youth ranks too.
 
Last edited:

Marty

Audere est farce
Mar 10, 2005
40,169
63,861
I think the biggest question is whether we want to go 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 or 3-4-3 in the future. Trippier is a great crossing wing-back but seems most comfortable in a four.

I believed for about six months that Aurier would come good eventually, but the Brighton game was a real kick in the teeth in that respect. If he doesn't come out flying next season after Poch works a pre-season wonder on him, I don't think he'll ever be the answer.

As for Davies, he's a trier, a great backup, but I still don't think he's a good enough starter for a title challenger. Rose pre-injury was perfect in that role, but I don't think he'll get back to those heights again, for us or another club.

In short, I think we need upgrades. FB and CM are the vital areas to upgrade in the summer.
 
D

Deleted member 29446

If Poch _wants_ to play 3atb next season we can’t play with Trip or Davies as 1st choice. Simple as that.
 

Lighty64

I believe
Aug 24, 2010
10,400
12,476
whether we need to upgrade, or give KWP a chance, or at least give Aurier another season, our FB/WB's is the least worrying positions that need upgrading at the moment. yes upgrade might be needed if we really want to compete on all 4 fronts, but depends on how much we have in the coffers.

I would rather spend the money on a cover for Eriksen, and Kane, and replacement for Dembele. those 3 are more important than replacing our FB/WB at the moment. we can't rely on Son as our main striker if Kane was out long term, especially as Son will hardly have a break at all this summer with the WC followed by the Asia Cup.
 

Cornpattbuck

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2013
6,932
16,034
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?

I love them all but when Rose and Walker were on fire they owned the wings on their own.

Saying that, it'd be lovely to see an upgrade on their final baĺl ability.

Would be great to see a couple of quick, composed crossers with defensive ability out there. I don't ask much.
 

Sophos151

Well-Known Member
Jul 31, 2016
792
2,559
Amazing how a year ago we had the best set of fullbacks in the league, now we're talking about replacing both starters.
 

GutBucket

Well-Known Member
May 26, 2013
6,844
11,542
I like Trips and Davies but I prefer faster wing backs bombarding forward with 3 defenders and proper DM like Wanyama covering for them.
 

allatsea

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
8,945
16,189
A rather outrageous opinion perhaps but currently I don’t think there is a top quality fullback in the Premier League. When you look back at the quality fullbacks we have had at just Spurs (Knowles, Kinnear, Beal, as an example) not one of the current crop of Premier League fullbacks compares.
 

cider spurs

Well-Known Member
Jul 5, 2016
9,401
23,735
I'd like better if we are to play 3 CBs.

Pereira, RB at Porto would be a dream, as for the Left, I'd love a fit and motivated Rose. Not totally sure on whom I'd wish for if we had to replace Rose.
 

Spursh

Well-Known Member
Jul 21, 2009
2,558
6,514
A rather outrageous opinion perhaps but currently I don’t think there is a top quality fullback in the Premier League. When you look back at the quality fullbacks we have had at just Spurs (Knowles, Kinnear, Beal, as an example) not one of the current crop of Premier League fullbacks compares.

I think you have a point, and it’s a factor not exclusive to the PL. Walker looks impressive for City, but when truly tested, he is still prone to defensive lapses.

Man Utd are fielding two wingers as fullbacks. Chelsea play a wingback system, partly I suspect, due to Moses and Alonso not being defensively sound enough.

On the continent, I’d say only Bayern’s pair (Kimmich & Alaba) and Marcelo (his incredible attacking play outweighs his defensive deficiencies) are of that “world class” level, with the next batch some way behind.
 

double0

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2006
14,423
12,258
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.
I'd be more then happy to blow our load on top quality wingback dynamic power quick solid wingback who can get beyond in attack and defend.
 

WiganSpur

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
16,009
32,745
Rose and Trippier or SA out, KWP and a new signing in is where I stand.
 

lukespurs7

Well-Known Member
Feb 21, 2006
4,833
4,259
I think you have a point, and it’s a factor not exclusive to the PL. Walker looks impressive for City, but when truly tested, he is still prone to defensive lapses.

Man Utd are fielding two wingers as fullbacks. Chelsea play a wingback system, partly I suspect, due to Moses and Alonso not being defensively sound enough.

On the continent, I’d say only Bayern’s pair (Kimmich & Alaba) and Marcelo (his incredible attacking play outweighs his defensive deficiencies) are of that “world class” level, with the next batch some way behind.
Agree the standard has certainly dropped. No-one in prem is near the levels of say A.Cole or G.Nev in their prime.
 

SirNiNyHotspur

23 Years of Property, Concerts, Karts & Losing
Apr 27, 2004
3,127
6,760
Think we need upgrades, full backs overall have been a let down this season, we've done well more in spite of them rather than because of them, they haven't been consistent enough as they have played well only in small patches.
 

lukespurs7

Well-Known Member
Feb 21, 2006
4,833
4,259
Think we need upgrades, full backs overall have been a let down this season, we've done well more in spite of them rather than because of them, they haven't been consistent enough as they have played well only in small patches.
Completely Agree mate
 
Top