Davinson Sanchez: Tottenham’s new signing under the spotlight

Davinson Sanchez’s performance on Saturday was more the makings of a calloused veteran than a 21-year-old Premier League debutant. 

Like a new, comfortable shoe that looks slick and fits snug, Sanchez appeared as if he’s been playing alongside Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen since he laced up his first pair of boots. Sanchez had never partnered either Ajax alumni before Saturday’s match, but you wouldn’t know it by watching.

There is something deeply satisfying about watching the Dutch connection in action.

It looked like Sanchez was merely taking his rightful place as one-third of a formidable defensive triumvirate. He is gifted with breakneck pace and otherworldly athleticism. Tenacious, spry and unremittingly at the ready, his impeccable timing is an asset pulled directly from a central defender’s handbook.

Though not credited for a tackle against Everton, Sanchez made three interceptions, nine clearances and blocked a shot. Stats are useful as they offer a glimpse into how well a player performs. However, they tell only a chapter of the story. More important than analytics and stats is how outrageously poised and calm Sanchez is, both with and without the ball. His serene calmness shattered the pre-match hype, surpassing the uppermost expectations of a 21-year-old center back.

Center backs usually take a bit longer to mature than other positions. It’s a role predicated on foresight, positioning, mental strength and an acute ability to read play, more so than any other  spot on the pitch. Those are learned attributes, gained and retained through experience and accumulated playing time. But don’t tell Sanchez that. He is the embodiment of zen, which one would think is contrary to his beast-like physical prowess.

He reminds me of a young Ledley King. Hopefully he avoids the unending barrage of serious injuries that blighted his career. Spurs are sitting pretty if Sanchez becomes half the player King was in his unfettered prime.

Then again, that’s what should come with a £42 million price tag, right? But so often it doesn’t. Daniel Levy, for a player of Sanchez’s qualities, committed highway robbery when he poached the Colombian from Ajax. I know should err on the side of caution with expecting too much too soon from young players. Lifting impressionable newbies onto a pedestal is often ill-advised.

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But this Colombian isn’t like most young players. His advanced maturity and football intellect unburdens me of such cautionary tales.

Sanchez is the genuine article, destined to be one of the world’s best center backs, and Spurs’ faithful are lucky enough to see his transformation before their very eyes.