Tottenham Hotspur is currently unbeaten in the Premier League, but one issue that manager Antonio Conte is still grappling with is at right wing-back, where the Italian appears to have yet to find a solution.
The former Chelsea manager has used Emerson Royal in that role so far this season, but it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian is a long-term fit after a difficult debut season in English football last season.
Journalist Paul Brown has also suggested that the serial-winning manager is still not convinced by both Matt Doherty and summer signing Djed Spence, the latter of whom has played just one minute since his £20 million move from Middlesbrough.
Even with the addition of the Englishman, there were reports that Conte and his staff were looking for another new recruit to play in that right-sided berth, with the 53-year-old apparently dissatisfied with his current squad options.
If Mauricio Pochettino had not moved on Kieran Tripper in 2019, the one-time Juventus coach could have had a perfect solution, with the England international currently showcasing his undoubted talent back in the Premier League with Newcastle United.
Pochettino signed the 31-year-old from Burnley in 2015, and he went on to score twice and provide 23 assists in 114 games across all competitions for the north London club.
Following Kyle Walker’s departure in 2017, the Bury-born star went on to play a key role in the Lilywhites’ run to the Champions League final in 2019, having previously represented his country at the World Cup in Russia.
By his own admission, the 5 foot 10 sensation had been far from his best during that 2018/19 campaign, so it came as a surprise when he was sold to Atletico Madrid for £20 million that summer, with owner Daniel Levy reportedly offering him around to potential suitors.
That decision ultimately backfired, as the 37-cap gem has since blossomed both in Spain and back in England, winning the La Liga title under Diego Simeone during his time in Spain.
The £144k-per-week man’s subsequent move to St James’ Park has also proven fruitful, with the full-back scoring three goals in 14 appearances since his January arrival, including a stunning free-kick in the 3-3 draw with Manchester City earlier this season.
Dubbed a “leader” by journalist Henry Winter, it is his impact off the pitch that has also been keenly felt during his brief stint with the Magpies, having also been a regular fixture under Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate in recent years.
A proven asset both in Europe and the Premier League – as well as at the international level – Trippier would well have been the type of quality that Conte is craving, while also offering the ability to play in a wing-back role having done so under Simeone and Southgate.
That decision ultimately backfired, as the 37-cap gem has since blossomed both in Spain and back in England, winning the La Liga title under Diego Simeone during his time in Spain.
The £144k-per-week man’s subsequent move to St James’ Park has also proven fruitful, with the full-back scoring three goals in 14 appearances since his January arrival, including a stunning free-kick in the 3-3 draw with Manchester City earlier this season.
Letting him depart remains a particularly head-scratching decision as far as Tottenham is concerned.
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