Eric Dier has told Tottenham Hotspur’s website that Ben Davies blocking a Marseille shot in injury-time with his head was “incredible”, as the Welshman did everything within his power to keep a hold of his side’s clean sheet last night.
Davies, 29, has been dropped out of the starting XI for the last two matches. Summer signing Clement Lenglet has come in, helping Spurs secure wins over Fulham and Marseille. Davies could now return against Manchester City.
Now in his ninth season at Spurs, the 73-time Wales international clocking up his 277th appearance for Spurs off the bench. He and Japhet Tanganga replaced Lenglet and Cristian Romero with 20 minutes left to play, as Spurs won.
Both of Richarlison’s goals came with Davies on the pitch, his movement helping the Brazilian open the scoring. But it was a moment in injury time that Dier praised Davies for, as he lost his footing with Cengiz Under about to shoot.
A dangerous moment for Spurs, with Under only 12 yards out and in with a chance of scoring a consolation for Marseille. But Davies somehow managed to throw himself in front of the shot, and block the ball with his head.
Dier was full of praise: “Ben did fantastically well. He lost his footing and then went with his head. It was an incredible piece of defending. We wanted to keep hold of that clean sheet. It would have been disappointing to have lost it.”
Dier: Tottenham star Davies incredible for blocking Marseille shot
It was a sensational bit of defending. But it was Davies that also gave it away. Attempting an incredibly risky pass inside his own half, Davies was then trying to make up for his mistake. But losing his footing, he showed what a warrior he is.
We have all seen Phil Jones trying to do the same for Manchester United, but instead face-planting the floor. This was a case of Davies flinging himself through the air with the timing, absolutely perfect. The Conte effect, many would say.
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