Arsenal legend Ian Wright slams Tottenham for selling Kyle Walker-Peters after defender called up by England
IAN WRIGHT has hit out at Tottenham for selling Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton after the right-back earned a call up to the England senior squad.
The Arsenal legend believes that Spurs made a mistake in offloading the defender to Southampton for £12million in 2020.
Despite the player impressing during his loan spell at St Mary’s in the second half of the 2019-20 season, the North London outfit deemed him as surplus to requirements.
Walker-Peters has since established himself as a key player under Ralph Hassenhuttl, with Gareth Southgate rewarding the versatile full-back with a first Three Lions call-up.
In 28 games in all competitions this season, the 24-year-old has chipped in with two goals and four assists.
Spurs meanwhile have struggled at right-back since parting ways with Walker-Peters, with his replacement Matt Doherty plagued by inconsistent performances.
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Serge Aurier was also guilty of poor outings, and Emerson Royal has flopped in England since he arrived from Barcelona for £26m in August.
And Wright has criticised Spurs for allowing Walker-Peters to depart as he stated he should have been given more chances.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: “Kyle Walker-Peters. Its great to see him.
“When I watched Serge for a couple of games I’m thinking ‘I’m sorry, Kyle Walker-Peters is a better player’.
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“They brought Emerson Royal in and I’m saying I’m sorry, he’s a better player.
“And even with Doherty, who does great stuff going forward, I’ve watched Walker-Peters and I’m glad he’s got the call-up.
“I’m thinking why have Tottenham got rid of him when you see how he plays?
“For him to get the call-up – I am absolutely made up. For me, that helps him, that gives him that buzz that makes him go ‘yes’.
“Moving from Tottenham – would he have really wanted to? He probably had to because they wanted him out.
“He’s gone to Southampton – not so fashionable – and continued with great form and he’s been rewarded.”