Tottenham should leave fallen Rose on bench and stick with warrior Welshman
By Gary Pearson
Ben Davies has earned his stripes as Spurs starting left back and should retain his position in the team, even when Danny Rose is finally fully fit.
Davies has performed admirably since stepping in for the fallen Rose in January. In 23 appearances last season, Spurs lost only two matches with Davies in the team. He started 15 Premier League matches during the 2016-17 season, in which Spurs conceded a paltry 10 goals.
And he’s in consideration for, along with Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, the honour of Spurs second best player of the season so far. We all know who stands highest on that particular podium.
When it comes to the Rose or Davies debate, no one should question the Welshman’s defensive superiority. He is unequivocally more stable on the defensive side of the ball than Rose, and is exuding more confidence going forward with every game.
Davies’ physical prowess and aerial ability – on both sides of the ball – also betters Rose’s, the Welshman often providing an extra weapon on set pieces and corners.
The 24-year-old undoubtedly pales in comparison to Rose’s foot speed and technical nous, but he distributes the ball accurately and looks more comfortable in front of goal than ever before. His goal against Huddersfield perfectly encapsulates how far he’s come in a short timeframe.
Davies, whose deft finish showed the kind of sublime mechanics and technique you’d more expect from a front man, was pushing high up the pitch for Spurs second, precisely the type of position expected of wing backs in Mauricio Pochettino’s preferred system.
His assist on Spurs fourth goal against Huddersfield has gone slightly under the radar, an injustice in its own right. Davies provided a deft chip, putting the ball on a platter for Moussa Sissoko, who bundled home his first Tottenham goal.
We didn’t see that kind of versatility on the ball from Davies last season. I didn’t even know he had that adroit skill in his locker but I’m learning there is more to Davies than meets the eye.
Additionally, Davies is a stable, strong and humble presence, both on the pitch and behind the scenes. What he lacks in flash, he more than makes up for in character. Davies puts the team first and is the embodiment of a perfect professional.
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We all know that Rose is capable of greatness. But we also know that he’ll escape the nest at a moment’s notice, putting money and prestige before his club and teammates.
Rose, who hasn’t played a competitive match in 10 months, will need time to regain sharpness and match fitness. I don’t think he’ll require time to rediscover confidence, as he has never experienced a deficiency in that department.
But until Rose can prove he can offer what the Welshman can, and more, Davies is the man for the job. The phrase, “if it ain’t broken don’t fix it,” comes to mind.
A thorny, broken, bitter Rose or a humble Welsh warrior?
I know who gets my vote. Who gets yours?