In his post-match press conference, Antonio Conte actually likened Ben Davies’ transformation at Tottenham to that of Chelsea’s Azpilicueta. Which I can safely say is one thing I never thought I’d hear during this lifetime. Nevertheless, the repurposing of Tottenham’s Welshman has provoked plenty of positives. The most recent of which, we witnessed on Sunday against Norwich.
The assist for Sanchez’s goal.
The smart pass
Davies won 67% of his duels, an improvement from his current average of 55.9%.
It will be interesting to see if this work from Conte pays off against superior sides.
Just checked and the only goal out of the three he could be culpable of was the first, but it was a brilliant pass and finish, the other two, no way.
He’s a good pro and doesn’t sulk if he doesn’t play every game either. Managers like that too. He goes about his business as a professional and if not always outstanding, rarely lets you down and is generally solid.
Shouldn’t be forgotten that h3 was responsible for 2 of Utd s three goals against us not so long ago…Did well v Norwich ..but the ball that set up Pukki came in from our left.
More focus required.
It’s going to take a heck of a lot more than one good game against the rock bottom team in the league. He’s playing better as a left sided centre half in a 3, but really? Is this a guy we need if we want to compete with the big lads? I think no.
His distribution isn’t bad and he definitely looked decent on Sunday. His lack of pace doesn’t seem to be as exposed in this formation although I could be confusing that with the rubbish forwards we have been faced with recently.
To be honest I have never shared the hate (yes a while back many were foaming at the mouth over his performances) my 2 pet hates are his partners 1 hides away marking air therefore avoiding the spotlight the other doesnt hide and is exposed by making regular schoolboy errors.
Ben is sort of Ok+ no more no less.
Very pleased he is getting some positive comments, every manager has rated him and used him with the exception of Nuno, but a true loves the shirt, heart on the sleeve and committed player of whom I wish we had more of.
Coaches trust him, he is always going to be a work horse player. For what he cost, he’s a squad player who did outperform Rose when he had his first proper run in the side (super Jan really helped him)
Could we get better, yes but if he performs as he has the last few weeks it may give us time to strengthen in other areas first.
A left tooted left back that can play that side of a three is always useful. Southgate picks Walker in a similar role on the right of the three for England. Same principle, they become another man in midfield in certain situations.
Notwithstanding his back pass to Lloris which nearly cost a goal Davies certainly did more good than harm. And had he even attenpted to play Harry in at the back post once in the 3 times he could have, I’d have rated him higher. But likening hin to Azp is certainly a stretch.