Taking a look at Ben Davies

Left back has never been the most glamorous of positions. Those who occupy the number 3 are often looked down upon, ridiculed for the basic nature of their role, and dismissed as merely “failed centre halfs or failed wingers”. However, this year I think that our new 21 year old Welshman could be the man on the back of my shirt.

Full-backs are a crucial part of any team providing both defensive stability and excellent attacking support as they are almost always in space. Unfortunately, recent years have seen a severe decline in the number of traditional fullbacks as the attributes of tackling, interceptions, crossing and passing ability have been reduced in importance in favour of pace and dribbling ability. The rise of wing-backs has altered the requirements needed for a fullback as individuals such as Dani Alves have replaced the Gary Nevilles of the world.

The two styles will seemingly go head to head this season as the more defensively cautious, Davies goes up against Sunderland’s player of the year 2011/12 Danny Rose. Originally a left winger at the club, Rose’s season last year was typified by defensive frailties and not getting back fast enough from offensive positions, leaving the centre backs exposed. He often overtakes his midfielder and pushes to the by-line to deliver his crosses. While, this can pay off by overloading the oppositions defence and creating lots of chances deep into the oppositions final third it leaves the side vulnerable to counter attacks and also means that there are fewer early crosses into the box.

[linequote]Full-backs are a crucial part of any team providing both defensive stability and excellent attacking support as they are almost always in space. [/linequote]

On the other hand, Davies is more comfortable in possession of the ball with extremely accurate passing and crossing stats. The Swansea Young Player of the Year plies his trade from a deeper position meaning that he can deliver more crosses and get back easier. He likes to hold on to the ball and while he sometimes struggles against faster players is an excellent defender. The Welsh International (10 Caps) said:

“I’m very happy to be joining a club like Spurs. It was such a good opportunity for me and there was no doubt in my mind about it. It’s a great place to be and something I jumped at the chance of being part of.”

Davies is superior in almost every aspect of the game as he completed more passes (1,393 – 717), tackles (59 – 46), interceptions (63 – 44 ) and goals (2 -1) last season than his new rival. He is also two years younger than Rose and is also the junior of Eriksen, Carroll, Fryers, Fredericks, Ceballos and Pritchard, despite having 2 years of Premier League experience under his belt already.

[linequote]The last full-back whom Pochettino coached was new Red Devil Luke Shaw and the 19 year old came on in leaps and bounds[/linequote]

The Welshman should fit into Pochettino’s plans perfectly and fulfil the requirements the Argentinian demands from his full-backs with ease. The last full-back whom the former centre-back coached was new Red Devil Luke Shaw and the 19 year old came on in leaps and bounds. Under the tutelage of his new manager, Ben Davies can hone his already startling ability and become one of the best in the League.

Perhaps the main reason that I personally like Davies is that we share so many attributes; both positive and negative. Slower than most pro’s with better technical abilities than physical ones and an excellent football brain (and modesty.)

If our latest signing can replicate our last young Welsh left back’s meteoric rise, it won’t just be me getting excited about him.