Some of us were expecting right back Adam Smith to stay on the fringes of the Spurs squad this season and mount a tangible challenge to Kyle Walker as first choice in that position. After a successful loan spell at Millwall in the previous campaign and some impressive displays at England Under 21 level, the time just seemed right for the 22 year to battle for a place in the side.
However, the club have announced this morning that Adam is heading out on a season long loan to Derby County in a bid to gain more first team football.
That leaves Walker unchallenged, unless Tottenham take the unlikely step of signing a right back before the window closes. After a promising first season at the Lane, 2012-13 was a difficult campaign for Kyle but Smith’s departure means he is likely to have a free reign on the right.
Yes, there is Kyle Naughton and possibly Younes Kaboul but will either of these two really be anything more than injury cover in that position?
As for Smith, we wish him well but at the very least, a loan to another Premiership club might have been a better option.
I think Walker is a very suspect right back.
His pace is his biggest asset. His defending though is often poor. His positioning gets him into trouble and he is careless with mis-placed passes. He has lived off a good start in his first, full season and his goal against Woolwich.
I dis-agree with your views on Naughton. He showed promise when he was give a run in the side last season but, left back is not his natural position. Naughton’s passing, in particular, was impressive. He can pick out a key pass and should be given a run in the side at right back the next time Walker costs the side a goal.
Kabooom!
Naughton is an able deputy at RB, so the article is flawed with inaccuracy. We have 2 players for every position once Soldado on board. Cover means a good rotation policy to attack trophies on all fronts.
Naughton cannot play left full back. He can however play right full back and I feel that given the opportunity he could settle there well. Walker however was a much improved player in the second half of last season and if he can continue in that trend would be difficult to dislodge. Naughton is a better footballer but Walker has still more potential. Good competition for that position should push both to perform better during next season.
One thing missed about Naughton, wow can the lad shoot from range!
I made this very point on the other (crapper) blog “Cartilage Free Captain” where basically I suggested to entertain any bids of £20m+ for Walker (whom I think is suspect defensively), move Kaboom to right back and buy Aldeweireld for around £7m (to play CB with national team-mate Vertonghen) thereby netting us a close to £15m profit and having a defensively strong right back and CB positions covered..