Tottenham veteran Ben Davies commendable in defence for Wales against Turkiye
Tottenham Hotspur stars are shining for their respective countries in the first international break of the new season.
Ben Davies was in international action on Friday night as Wales hosted Turkiye at the Cardiff City Stadium in a UEFA Nations League fixture. The Welshman has been a fantastic servant for Tottenham since joining from Swansea City over a decade ago. He has proven to be a reliable and solid option for the North Londoners, making 330 appearances across all competitions thus far.
The 31-year-old is also a veteran for the Wales national team, earning 88 caps since making his debut back in October 2012. He has captained the nation on many occasions as well. Friday saw Wales embark on a new chapter as former star Craig Bellamy took the mantle for the first time, and the first team to lock horns with them were Vincenzo Montella’s Turkiye.
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Craig Bellamy’s side lacked the creativity and guile to breach the Turkiye defence last night in the 0-0 draw in Cardiff. However, as far as their defence was concerned, they held firm and limited the visitors to just one shot on target.
Davies starred at the back for the hosts. Primarily a left-back, he was used as a centre-back by Bellamy. The Neath native partnered his former Tottenham teammate Joe Rodon in central defence and produced a strong display, helping the Dragons keep a clean sheet in Bellamy’s debut game as head coach.
The Spurs star won four out of six duels against Montella’s men, made two interceptions, a tackle and blocked a shot. He had 116 touches on the ball and completed 100/107 passes, thereby, amassing a healthy 93% pass completion rate. Davies also chipped in with three accurate long balls in what was a solid overall performance. (Stats courtesy: SofaScore)
It is encouraging to see Davies put in an impressive shift for his nation despite not clocking a single minute in a Spurs shirt this season. As Sergio Reguilon is surplus to requirements for Ange Postecoglou and the club still seeking a buyer for him, Davies will act as a deputy for first-choice left-back Destiny Udogie. Also, due to his versatility to operate in central defence, as witnessed against Turkiye recently, he offers Spurs an extra option in that position.
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Wales are next in action on Monday night as they are away against Montenegro, and the £80,000-per-week Spurs man is likely to start once again. Whether he operates in central defence again or moves back to his original left-back position remains to be seen.
