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5 Tottenham stars with the most to prove v CSKA Moscow

By Rucker Haringey

Tottenham Hotspur's (L-R) Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld, Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen and Dutch forward Vincent Janssen take part in a training session at the CSKA Arena in Moscow on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the Champions League football match between CSKA Moscow nd Tottenham Hotspur. / AFP / YURI KADOBNOV (Photo credit should read YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's (L-R) Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld, Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen and Dutch forward Vincent Janssen take part in a training session at the CSKA Arena in Moscow on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the Champions League football match between CSKA Moscow nd Tottenham Hotspur. / AFP / YURI KADOBNOV (Photo credit should read YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images) /
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the CSKA arena on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League group E football match between CSKA Moscow and Tottenham in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the CSKA arena on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League group E football match between CSKA Moscow and Tottenham in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images) /

5. Ben Davies

Let me be perfectly clear, I’m very concerned about Ben Davies’ ability to step up to this level of competition. Danny Rose missing this match is a huge issue for Spurs. It might be the most critical injury to the club’s chances today.

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Davies just doesn’t have the big-time athleticism to thrive against top-notch attacking competition. It’s not that he plays poorly, he just doesn’t stand out in any sort of positive manner. Part of it comes down to the Welshman’s refusal to venture far enough up the pitch to get caught out in defense.

It’s a particularly important match for Davies because it might be his last time to leave a positive impression for a while. Rose is expected to be fit for Manchester City this weekend, and it could be quite some time before Davies gets another meaningful start.

If Davies can show well against CSKA Moscow, he can solidify his status as a high quality backup at the left back position. If he struggles, Tottenham may look to replace him sooner rather than later.

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