ESPN pundit says one Tottenham player was terrible defensively vs Manchester United

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Janusz Michallik has responded to being told Pedro Porro was brilliant for Tottenham Hotspur in their draw with Manchester United by insisting that he was terrible defensively.

Spurs were superb at Old Trafford, coming from behind on two occasions to earn a point. Ange Postecoglou’s side rode their luck at times. But they certainly seemed to play the better football.

And Pedro Porro was so influential in their performance going forward. The 24-year-old provided yet another assist, with his corner being turned in by Richarlison during the first-half.

Pedro Porro apparently terrible defensively in Tottenham draw

According to Whoscored, no player could match Porro’s tally of five key passes. And he is rapidly approaching double figures for assists in the Premier League this season.

However, speaking on ESPN, Janusz Michallik was keen to not get carried away with his performance. The pundit took exception to hearing that the former Sporting man had been brilliant against Erik ten Hag’s side.

“Not defensively. He was terrible defensively, I thought today,” he said.

“Porro was good going forward. And I think you take the risk in knowing that you’re going to be late. Because remember, on both goals, Porro was late in coming back,” he went on to add.

Spurs fans would much rather a full-back like the Spaniard

Tottenham fans have been treated to both styles of full-back over the last few years. As good as Emerson Royal has been at centre-back recently, there is no doubt that he has struggled to impress going forward during his time at Spurs.

But he is more assured defensively than Porro. However, Porro is amongst the most prolific assist-providers in the Premier League this season.

Emerson actually has two assists in 95 games for Spurs in all competitions. So there is no competition between the pair on that front.

And given how Ange Postecoglou wants his side to play, you can understand why the Tottenham boss would have Porro ahead of Emerson in the pecking order.