KYLE HIGH CLUB
Spurs kid lifted by Jan’s praise
TOTTENHAM’S rising star Kyle Walker-Peters has revealed his secret debt to team-mate Jan Vertonghen.
Belgium’s Vertonghen sent a special message to the youngster at the end of last season.
The England Under-21 star says the experienced defender’s off-the-cuff encouragement meant the world to him.
Walker-Peters has been catching the eye both for Spurs and helping Aidy Boothroyd’s national team qualify for the 2019 European Championships.
Brilliant
Boothroyd’s boys ensured their place in the finals with a resounding 7-0 thrashing of Andorra at Chesterfield.
Walker-Peters said: “It was after the last game of the season against Leicester.
“I had a decent game, two assists, and he sent me a great message, which is brilliant when you’re getting something like that from someone like Jan.
“I’d signed my contract and he just sent me a message saying all my hard work throughout the season had showed in games, etc.
“I’m not particularly close to him. I guess it was because of the season I’d had. I didn’t play often but, when I did actually get my opportunity, I did quite well. I can go to him, Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane, anyone.
“I just guess he felt he needed to say that to me, which was really nice of him.”
The only problem WalkerPeters is having to cope with now is over whether he plays right or left-back and it’s one he’s happy to put up with.
He added: “I think everyone knows right-back is my side, but I just have to take the opportunity on either side.
“If the manager at Tottenham needs me to play on the left, then I’m ready to do a good job. When I have had my opportunities, I do feel I have taken them.
“The gaffer knows what he’s doing. I have faith in what he has planned for me.”
Walker-Peters, 21, says he trusts Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino to map out his progress and do what is best for him.
He said: “I’ve been on the bench the majority of times this season. Poch is good though.
“He spoke to me at the beginning of the season. It gives you confidence. It lets you know where you are.
“He makes it quite clear that if you want to go and have a word with him, you can feel free to and question him. I haven’t taken him up on that yet!”