Spurs player ratings from Tottenham 3-0 win over Paços
By Aaron Coe
Rating the Tottenham Defense
The reality is Tottenham did not have a lot to do defensively and some of the only opportunities that Paços had come from their own doing. The group showed some early nerves but ultimately settled down and led the Spurs to their third shutout in four games this season.
Ben Davies – 6.5
Ben Davies got the start at left-back for Tottenham Hotspur and did his job. Davies did his part trying to get forward, although, with Ryan Sessegnon and Bryan in front of him, that was not always necessary. Davies’s biggest contribution was probably obstructing a Paços defender after Winks had won the ball back before the first goal. His little step to block oncoming defender opened the way for Winks to dribble up-field and make the pass to Bryan. Davies was solid throughout.
Eric Dier – 6.5
Like Davies, Eric Dier really had little to do most of the evening. With his backs pushing forward around him and Winks occupying the midfield in front of him, Dier did not have to do much. Willing to sit back as the deepest defender most of the evening, Dier was never pushed or tested.
Cristian Romero – 7.5
Cristian Romero did not necessarily have more work to do defensively than did Davies or Dier, however, he managed to create more, in a good way. Romero was the most aggressive of the Tottenham defenders working to close out on loose balls and defend all over the pitch. Romero actually pushed all the way into the Paços box on a couple of occasions and looks to try and get involved in the offense. Cuti displayed a sweet long-ball as well. He was harshly given a yellow card for what probably should have been a 2-on-1 breakaway for him and Harry Kane. Much better than his first start last week and a little glimpse of the all-around game Romero brings to Tottenham.
Matt Doherty – 7
Matt Doherty was certainly more involved in the offense on the right than was ben Davies on the left. Whether by design or just how it worked out, Doherty spent a good part of the evening up near the Paços box working to put in some crosses. Doherty maybe should have scored but instead, tried to feed Kane when he got behind the defense. Doherty looked better than most of last season.
Pierluigi Gollini – 6.5
Pierluigi Gollini almost made a big mistake to start the match but ultimately settled in and had a fine game. Gollini was a bit lackadaisical on the ball early near the end line and ultimately turned the ball over for a Paços corner kick. A few minutes later Gollini played a pass that from the TV angle maybe looked a bit too close for comfort. However, after those little hiccups, Gollini settled in and did his part. Stopping all three attempts on goal and show a big punch in the box, Gollini did what little that was asked of him.