Ben Davies received a lot of plaudits from Ange Postecoglou both before and after our 2-0 victory at Forest on Friday.
The veteran Wales international, who is in his tenth season at Spurs, has made 323 appearances across all competitions. During his time at Spurs, he has mostly played as a left-back or as a left-sided center-back in a three. However, in our last six games, he has assumed a central defensive role in Ange’s 4-3-3 system and has looked as solid as ever in a new partnership with Cuti Romero.
Ben has been instrumental in both of the last two games, which have resulted in victories over Newcastle and Forest. Last Sunday, he prevented Newcastle from opening the score with a deft clearance in front of his own goal, and he then held Forest at bay to help us maintain a clean sheet at the City Ground.
Before Forest, Ange was questioned about the defensive aspect of the match. “As a team, I felt we were much more organised with our press and we knew that Newcastle, who counter-attacks, has some serious dangers up front if you’re not organised. It’s not just about the back four or Vic. In that regard, we were far superior. Romero has a significant impact on it, but Ben Davies was also very good last week, in my opinion.
Ben is still getting used to it. He’s performed incredibly well. Particularly in our organization, center-back is still one of the few places where players with exceptional qualities are required.
“That he was able to cover for us there has been a great blessing. He has benefited from his exceptional ability to process information and comprehend the game, not only in relation to his own job but also in terms of how we want to play. Vic, who has assumed a bit of a leadership role back there, and Romero by his side are helpful in that aspect.”
Before Forest, Ange was questioned about the defensive aspect of the match. “As a team, I felt we were much more organised with our press and we knew that Newcastle, who counter-attacks, has some serious dangers up front if you’re not organised. It’s not just about the back four or Vic. In that regard, we were far superior. Romero has a significant impact on it, but Ben Davies was also very good last week, in my opinion.
Ben is still getting used to it. He’s performed incredibly well. Particularly in our organization, center-back is still one of the few places where players with exceptional qualities are required.
“That he was able to cover for us there has been a great blessing. He has benefited from his exceptional ability to process information and comprehend the game, not only in relation to his own job but also in terms of how we want to play. Vic, who has assumed a bit of a leadership role back there, and Romero by his side are helpful in that aspect.”
