Ben Davies was at the heart of Sunday’s win over Ukraine as Wales booked their place in the 2022 World Cup – and the Tottenham star has earned praise from his nation’s media. Wales won 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Welsh fans watched on in hope and excitement as Gareth Bale gave his side the lead, a deflected free-kick proving to be the only goal of the game. But it is quite remarkable that neither Wales or Ukraine scored again.
Wayne Hennessey and Davies were to thank for Wales, making numerous saves and last-ditch tackles and blocks to restore their lead. Davies raced back to nick the ball of Viktor Tsygankov’s foot just as he was about to score.
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Davies has enjoyed a brilliant season with Tottenham – and is becoming a real leader with Wales, earning praise from Jermaine Jenas. The praise did not stop, as he was handed a 10/10 rating by Wales Online.
“Just so calm and composed. A colossus. Won every tackle, every aerial duel, perhaps won his side the game too. Last-ditch intervention to keep out Tsygankov was superb. The fearless leader of a defence under intense Ukraine pressure.”
Tottenham star Davies earned Wales praise: His best of the season?
Davies has been stunning this season. Both for club and country. The introduction of Antonio Conte at Spurs has seemingly kicked Davies on another level or two, becoming a mainstay for Spurs.
That left of a back three role suits him perfectly. Perhaps not ready to play as a centre-back in a back four just yet, but not attacking enough to play as a full-back. It is the ideal mix of both positions for Davies.
Was Sunday’s performance his best over the last 12 months? If not, it is top three. It is hard to remember a moment where Davies made a mistake. Even after a block, he showed leadership, telling Brennan Johnson what to do.
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