Player Watch: Serge Aurier

[Shadydan]

He's definitely tuned the corner, always had the ability but had moments where he'd seriously lapse in concentration but he's quality now - Jose seems to have got the best out of him.

 

[wiggo24]

Decision making on the ball has massively improved too. Played a couple of lovely Tripper-esque passes down the line today and was assured under the press.

 

[Hawk_Spur]

He’s our first choice RB now. Jose has done the impossible.

Another couple of games like this and surely we offer him a new contract?

 

[dontcallme]

I wonder if his improved performances are connected to there not being any fans.

 

[Col_M]

Oddly enough he’s still commented on by fans and pundits as our weak link.

 

[dontcallme]

Oddly enough he’s still commented on by fans and pundits as our weak link.

For defenders it seems to take a while to shake that perception.

 

[bubble07]

I think because he doesnt venture forward as much he is looking better

 

[dagraham]

Oddly enough he’s still commented on by fans and pundits as our weak link.

As in life, in football reputations are easy to make and hard to shake off.

 

[bubble07]

Also I'm sure Doherty signing has helped

 

[rossdapep]

Has Mourinho done the unthinkable and actually made Serge a competent defender?

On the evidence of this season, he’s a very good right back, and certainly the best at the club.

starting to think calling him out for making Jose scared may have actually worked.

It's generally not a good idea to call players out In front of everyone else, especially players who have a history like Aurier.

However, he seems to have taken it on board with a point to prove and improved his focus in the game.

Jose definitely knows how to push the right buttons

 

[Typical Spurs]

I honestly thought Serge was a terrible defender. Liability. Made me worried any time he was defending.

He has been brilliant this season. He's honestly played better than I thought he was capable. He's been assured and dependable. Im so chuffed for him. I said the other week that signing Doherty has probably pushed him. He's definitely ahead of Doherty.

 

[King of Otters]

starting to think calling him out for making Jose scared may have actually worked.

It's generally not a good idea to call players out In front of everyone else, especially players who have a history like Aurier.

However, he seems to have taken it on board with a point to prove and improved his focus in the game.

Jose definitely knows how to push the right buttons

That was a real eye opener from the documentary. That, along with calling Dele lazy, made me realise that Jose doesn’t massage player’s egos.

Looks like it’s working so far.

 

[Amo]

Not just Doherty. The lopsided formation and asymmetric line-up asked a lot of him and was extremely unflattering for the guy. A balanced, complimentary team around him and added competition for the position means a better Aurier.

 

[Strikeb4ck]

He also clearly has a very strong partnership and friendship with Sissoko, and Sissoko definitely plays more to the right than PEH, which helps a lot with covering Serge's runs. He's just playing far more sensibly now and we have a better system and structure in place which makes everyone look better.

I also think there is no doubt Ledley coaching has had a big impact on defenders individually. I think a lot of them have clearly improved and that likely is not a coincidence.

I remember some people seemed desperate to sell Aurier over the window and go into the season with one real right back and one real left back (pre Reguilon signing), which I thought was absolutely bizarre. Hopfully Serge can keep playing at this level because this is the peak Serge we were hoping for!

 

[TheTanguy]

Making Aurier a solid and reliable full-back might be one of José's biggest achievements in his career.

 

[popstar7]

He also clearly has a very strong partnership and friendship with Sissoko, and Sissoko definitely plays more to the right than PEH, which helps a lot with covering Serge's runs.

Jermaine Jenas picked up on this on MotD.

 

[dtxspurs]

I think because he doesnt venture forward as much he is looking better

Yeah, he didn’t have the stamina/speed to replicate what Walker could do in running the flank all game. Letting him sit back most of the game and venturing forward every so often has been the right mixture.

 

[Dirtysanchez6]

What an improvement we are seeing in serge! Long may it continue, still scares the life out of me like but anyway lol

 

[Everlasting Seconds]

"Impossible" "unthinkable", geez guys. Aurier always held a quite acceptable standard and was certainly good enough for the top of PL.

 

[King of Otters]

Not just Doherty. The lopsided formation and asymmetric line-up asked a lot of him and was extremely unflattering for the guy. A balanced, complimentary team around him and added competition for the position means a better Aurier.

That's true. He's no longer being asked to be our main attacking outlet, which definitely helps.