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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino warned against ‘big risk’ as Liverpool comparison made
TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino has been warned against using Kyle Walker-Peters as his first choice right-back this season, as it could be a “big risk”, claimed Danny Mills, while playing down a comparison with Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Kyle Walker Peters scores perfect goal for Spurs
Tottenham manager Pochettino should avoid using Kyle Walker-Peters in every match this season, according to former England and Manchester City right-back Mills.
The 22-year-old is inexperienced in big games, and could present a major risk to Spurs this season.
Instead, the manager should rotate between Walker-Peters and Serge Aurier, who has a wealth of experience.
It would be a big gamble to use Walker-Peters regularly, and he’s still a way behind some of the other right-backs in the league, Mills said.
I think it’s a big risk if he’s going to be the number one
“I think it’s a big risk if he’s going to be the number one,” he told Football Insider.
“You’ve still got Serge Aurier there, he’s hugely experienced. If he’s going to be the only right-back they have, I do think it’s a little bit of a gamble.”
“Time will tell, he’s a decent player but if it was my choice, I’d like to dip him in and out this season.”
Mills also warned against making comparisons between Walker-Peters and Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool and England international had a meteoric rise after a series of impressive performances for the Reds, and Mills thinks he is a huge talent.
He added: “People say about Trent Alexander-Arnold but he was and is exceptional and he forced his way into the team.”
Alexander-Arnold is 18 months older than the Tottenham defender, but has five times more Premier League appearances.
Walker-Peters has only made 10 league appearances for Spurs in his career, but did feature in Tottenham’s opening clash of this season.
Pochettino opted to use Walker-Peters instead of Aurier in Tottenham’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa.
Spurs went behind in the match after John McGinn put the visitors ahead.
But, two goals from Harry Kane and a debut goal from Tanguy Ndombele helped Tottenham to secure their first three points of the season.
Spurs’ next Premier League fixture will be at the Etihad Stadium, against champions Manchester City on Saturday (5.30pm).