Tottenham news: Ben Davies has opened the door for Danny Rose
Ben Davies was Tottenham’s first choice left back last season, but his poor play at Newcastle has opened the door for Danny Rose to win his job back.
There are legitimate questions over whether or not Danny Rose is going to stay at Tottenham this season, but if he stays, he has a legitimate chance to become the team’s starting left back. Ben Davies’ ugly preseason and first match of the Premier League campaign have given the English international a lifeline.
English reports have linked Rose with a move to the likes of PSG and Schalke in the last few days, but Mauricio Pochettino might want to rethink that strategy. The unfortunate truth is that Davies has looked very shaky as of late. If he can’t play significantly better than he did against the Magpies then Spurs will need to find another starter.
Rose is the player best equipped to step in for the Welshman. He may never return to the form that made him England’s top left back two seasons ago, but he showed flashes of real ability during the World Cup. Even if he can only become 90% of the player he used to be, that would be more than enough to earn him regular playing time for Spurs.
The only other reasonable left back choice at the club is Kyle Walker-Peters. The young Englishman is an excellent talent, but right back is definitely his preferred position. He looks like a fish out of water when he’s stuck out on the left. He can play the position in a pinch, but he shouldn’t be counted on to make Premier League starts on that flank.
Of course, Pochettino isn’t set to give up on Davies after a rough start to the season. He’ll continue to get plenty of chances to play meaningful matches for Spurs. Remember though, the Argentine gaffer prefers to rotate his fullbacks due to the massive amount of energy he requires from the position. It’s a must for Tottenham to have two quality options at left back.
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It’s time for Rose to reassert himself into the battle to become Tottenham’s first choice left back if it’s ever going to happen again. If he leaves this season, it’s obvious Pochettino thinks he’s past his best. If he stays, don’t be shocked to see him put Davies back on the bench.