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Tottenham’s projected starting XI v Dortmund: New signing will take centre stage

By Rucker Haringey

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on September 9, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on September 9, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Left Wingback-Ben Davies

While Danny Rose would certainly start this match if he were fit, Davies has proved himself to be a more than adequate replacement for the English star. He doesn’t have the pace and creativity that Pochettino would want in a perfect world, but he’s been solid as a rock this season.

The key for Davies will be making sure he doesn’t get caught too far up the pitch. His presence is required in attack, but he doesn’t have the speed to catch up to Dortmund attackers on the break. Davies will need to play a conservative match to hold up against such talented opposition.

Right Wingback-Serge Aurier

Sorry Kieran Trippier, this isn’t the match for you. The English right back will feel like he deserves to start against Dortmund, but that isn’t the right decision for the club.

Instead, it’s time to hand Serge Aurier his first start. He’s got the talent and experience to show up big on this massive occasion. His Champions League experience for PSG will come in handy for Tottenham this week. If Spurs are to emerge victorious, Aurier will need to be a positive factor on both ends of the pitch.

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