Tottenham Hotspur’s Davinson Sanchez too aggressive to play in midfield, says former coach

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Davinson Sanchez’s former coach discusses decision to switch Colombian to centre-back.

Davinson Sanchez’s former coach has told how the talented international ended up playing at centre-back.

Atletico Nacional technical director Felipe Merino told SkySports that as a teenager Sanchez first aspired to be a midfielder, but they had to harness his abilities in a different direction.

Merino explained that the Colombian was too much of a risk to play in midfield.

He said: “When Davinson came to us he was quite a disorganised central midfielder.

“He had a great attitude for winning the ball, but his aggression was excessive.

“He was more interested in putting in tackles than using the ball, so we offered him the chance to channel his aggression as a central defender.”

Sanchez took the advice and his performances for Nacional were recognised by Ajax last summer who moved to snap him up.

One year later at Tottenham Hotspur were committing a club record fee to bring him to North London.

Sanchez is already making a big impression, starring in the recent Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.

Merino’s work with Sanchez is paying off for his country, with Sanchez a key part of the Colombia side currently on course to feature at next summer’s World Cup.