SIX OF THE BEST . . . RIGHT BACK RIVALS
Arsenal Hector Bellerin
Age: 23
Signed From: Barcelona (2011) Cost: £500,000 Premier League Apps: 126 Weekly Wage: £100,000 Contracted
Until: 2023
Coleman
Comparison:
The Spaniard has more pace than Coleman although he has dropped down the Premier League charts in that category. He’s tied down to a long term deal but Arsenal are accustomed to speculation that Barcelona want to bring him back. However, a series of defensive errors - particularly in the area of positioning - have seriously weakened his standing with Gunners followers.
- Chelsea Cesar Azpilicueta
Age: 28
Signed From: Marseille (2012) Cost: £7m
Premier League Apps: 199 Weekly Wage: £75,000 Contracted Until:
2020
Coleman Comparison:
He’s a much more versatile defender and is very comfortable on the right of a back three too, although Mauricio Sarri prefers a back four unlike his predecessor Antonio Conte. Azpilicueta’s strength is in his defensive play with left back Marcos Alonso given much more of a licence to roam. He’s less explosive than the Irishman but a more polished performer. Liverpool Trent Alexander Arnold
Age: 19
Signed From: Homegrown Cost: Free Premier League Apps: 28 Weekly Wage: £40,000 Contracted
Until: 2021
Coleman Comparison:
It’s early days for the teenager who appears to have moved ahead of Nathaniel Clyne. Alexander-Arnold is another full back renowned for his comfort in the opposition half but a perceived weakness is his ability to defend crosses into his own box. This was highlighted in the Champions League run. He’s well ahead of where Coleman was at his age. Manchester City Kyle Walker
Age: 28
Signed From: Spurs (2017) Cost: £50m Premier League Apps: 231 Weekly Wage: £130,000 Contracted Until: 2022
Coleman Comparison: Walker has developed into one of the best players in the Premier League and his primary asset is his blistering pace - he’s the quickest defender in the division. That allows him to get up the flank and also recover at speed to snuff out danger. He has developed into a better all round player than
Coleman and was voted onto the PFA Team of
Year last season
- Manchester United Antonio Valencia
Age: 33
Signed From: Wigan (2009) Cost: £16m Premier League Apps: 319 Weekly Wage: £100,000 Contracted Until: 2019
Coleman Comparison: Valencia was United’s first choice last term but the clock is ticking and ex-Porto player Diogo Dalot will be a threat when he is back fit. As a former winger, Valencia is strong going forward but he lacks natural defensive attributes although he has learned to play the position. However,
Coleman would be an upgrade.
- Tottenham Kieran Trippier
Age: 27
Signed From: Burnley (2015) Cost: £3.5m Premier League Apps: 81 Weekly Wage: £65,000 Contracted Until: 2022
Coleman Comparison: Tripper is technically excellent, and showcased his set piece repertoire during a strong World Cup showing. He’s also a fine crosser of the ball and is well capable of covering a lot of ground.
He has moved to another level since coming out of Walker’s shadow and Mauricio Pochettino has no reason to be shopping in this area.