Nathaniel Clyne joined Saints a year ago and in that time has made the right back slot his own. He played 34 of the 38 Premier League games last season and would have been one of the names that gained automatic selections when fit.
This pre-season though we have hardly seen hide or hair of him although we released the two players that were his back-ups. Both Frazer Richardson and Danny Butterfield could have been useful cover unless Mauricio Pochettino believes he has the position covered.
In the four games played to date Calum Chambers has played at right back from the start with either Clyne or Jack Cork taking over when subs have been made.
Calum is still growing and learning his trade and this is a big step up for him. If Pochettino believes he is ready for the fray so be it though I would still like to see Clyne get some seriously long playing time on the pitch before the season begins.
We now have two games of pre-season remaining and must surely be readying our strongest eleven and hopefully giving them some time together. Clyne would be one of my first selections if fit so I obviously hope that he has no serious problems injury wise.
There is always a risk when picking a youngster to fill an important position as if it backfires more damage than losing three points could be done mentally to said youngster.
Hopefully we don’t have much of a problem.
Join Vital Saints
Share this article
Related Articles
