“The best of him”- Conte compares Tottenham defender to Azpilicueta after Norwich victory

To The Lane And Back

·6 December 2021

“The best of him”- Conte compares Tottenham defender to Azpilicueta after Norwich victory

Antonio Conte believes Tottenham Hotspur ace Ben Davies is taking his new role really well

Ben Davies has instantly gotten used to a new role at Tottenham Hotspur, and Antonio Conte has showered him with praise following the victory against Norwich City. His team won 3-0 on the night, which saw them jump up to fifth in the Premier League table.

Davies was influential in two of the goals against Norwich as his flick-on helped Davinson Sanchez score the second before setting up Son Heung-min for the third goal. The former has adjusted to the new position in no time, which caught the eye of many and prompted the reporters to ask Conte about him.

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Speaking in the post-match presser (h/t Sky Sports), the Italian conveyed his delight for the 28-year-old while assessing how the defender excelled in the centre-back role. The defender was one of the best players for the North London club in the win against Dean Smith’s side.

Antonio Conte was full of praises for Davies.

“Ben is playing very well and I think in that role specifically I can get out the best of him. It happens the same with Cesar Azpilicueta and the three central defenders. It’s important to be good defensively but at the same time it’s important to play football, with personality, to play the ball.”

“Ben is showing great solidity. He’s playing very well. We are talking about a really good person, a really good guy. He’s always very focused, concentrated and he played well.”

A big step up

The Welsh international has not yet missed a game under the 52-year-old coach, which shows how crucial he is in that role. The only game he hasn’t started under Conte was the 2-1 loss against NS Mura in the UEFA Europa Conference League. His assist to Son was his first of the 2021-22 season, and more could come if he continues to excel.

Ben Davies has excelled in his new role.

While the Welshman is a natural left-back, the Spurs boss has used him in the centre-back role. He has the license to join in the final phase of Spurs’ attacks to help break down the opposition defence when they camp in front of their goal.

And being a natural full-back, Davies is adept at making recovery runs while also possessing good ability on the ball when in possession. The Tottenham manager compared him to what Cesar Azpilicueta has done at Chelsea, and if that is the sign of things to come, he could become a crucial component moving forward.

Under Nuno Espirito Santo, it seemed like Davies had no real role in the starting XI considering Sergio Reguilon was evidently the Portuguese manager’s first-choice left-back. But now, the former Swansea man has a chance to rebuild his career at N17.