Having lost Kyle Walker to Manchester City last summer, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino made bringing in a new right-back a priority for the 2017/18 Premier League season.
And while it took until the end of the transfer window for one to be bought, it was worth the wait for supporters who were delighted to see Serge Aurier arrive from Paris Saint-Germain.
GET INNNNN BOYS
— Noz Ahmed (@NozAhmed) August 31, 2017
ANNOUNCE QUADRUPLE
— Simply Spurs (@Simply_Spurs) August 31, 2017
YESSSSS IT HAS HAPPENED
— Kerry (@KerryCOYS) August 31, 2017
Welcome Serge! You had me at #COYS
— CY S (@GenericSpur) August 31, 2017
Never conceding a goal again this season #COYS #WelcomeAurier
— #FreeKuma (@KaraboMafa) August 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/THFClub/status/903219271035219969
Got the Best rb in league again
— Sam Gidds (@SamuelGiddings1) August 31, 2017
Despite problems off the pitch during his time at PSG, Aurier established himself as one of the most exciting right-backs in Europe, explaining why Tottenham fans were so pleased to see him brought in.
On top of that, it had been reported by L’Equipe (via Metro) that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy insisted on an exclusivity clause in his initial discussion with PSG for Aurier which prevented them from talking to other clubs, blocking any hope London rivals Chelsea had of a potential hijack as they searched for a new right-back themselves.
Considering all of that, in some sense, Levy pulled off a bit of a masterstroke by bringing Aurier to north London.
Given that the Ivory Coast international played second fiddle to Kieran Trippier for most of the season, though, most would probably disagree. However, that does not change what Aurier actually brings to the table when he does play.
While he can be reckless at times, Aurier is a strong tackler and has the pace to keep up with most wingers in the division. On top of that, going forward, Aurier can use that pace and his strength to cause problems for the opposition left-back and give Tottenham another outlet in attack.
On their budget and considering the club already had Trippier, Tottenham were never going to bring in a right-back as good as Walker. But Pochettino could have done a lot worse than Aurier.
