Ben Davies struggled for Tottenham last night, but can Danny Rose reclaim his place?
Tottenham’s limitation in the left-back position was exposed by Ben Davies’ performance against PSV Eindhoven.
For 89 minutes Davies was unwilling to offer an attacking outlet and even defensively he looked shaky. He would provide a late cross for a deflected Harry Kane winner, but it masked an unambitious performance from the Wales international.
It was a performance which highlighted how Spurs have gone backwards in a position which was one of their biggest strengths.
Davies has lost the strong form which saw him win plaudits last season, and Spurs fans have been lamenting the decline of former first choice Danny Rose.
Rose has not been a regular since picking up a knee injury in January 2017 which saw him miss nine months of action. His inclusion in England’s World Cup squad was a sentimental one, rather than based on his performances.
He is currently out with an injury, expected back later this month. This season he has made five league starts.
In these games he showed flashes of his old self but not enough to show he is back to his best. His latest injury is an ominous sign for his durability and capability to stay injury free.
Tottenham desperately need him back to his best, to give the team an upgrade on Ben Davies.
If he cannot, then the team will be forced into the transfer market next summer, which chairman Daniel Levy would rather not have to do.
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