Andy Robertson has had a magnificent career. That does not mean Tottenham were right to sign him.

At 32, the veteran Scotsman is now at the stage of his career where reputation can become a bigger asset than what a player can consistently produce on the pitch. After nine years at Liverpool, he arrives at Spurs with an enormous CV, but that is exactly what makes this signing feel like a backward step.

The problem is not that Robertson doesn’t have something to offer – he clearly does with his quality and experience.

But did Tottenham need another left-back whose best years are behind him when Destiny Udogie offers a younger, more athletic and more exciting long-term option?

Udogie is more physically imposing, has the capacity to carry the ball through midfield and offers greater attacking upside. He is also the player Spurs should be trying to develop into a dominant Premier League full-back over the next five years, rather than nudging him aside for a famous name.

Then there is Djed Spence. Tottenham have already shown that they were willing to let a player with genuine pace, versatility and attacking threat leave the club. We argued here that selling Spence was a mistake — and bringing in an ageing Robertson only makes that decision look stranger.

There is also a difficult question about status. Robertson has been a Liverpool captain, a Scotland captain and a major trophy winner. If he is on significant wages and carries that reputation into the dressing room, Spurs will inevitably feel pressure to play him. That is dangerous if the performances no longer justify automatic selection.

Tottenham should pick players because they are the best option today, not because of what they achieved at another club. Robertson can still contribute, and perhaps he will prove this argument completely wrong. But if Udogie is fit and performing, there should be no obligation to move him aside.

The 32-year-old has had an underwhelming start to life in a transitional Tottenham side.

Spurs need to build towards their future. Robertson feels much more like a commitment to the past.