Tottenham Hotspur are thin on the central defensive position, with Radu Dragusin being the only viable backup to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, a situation that Ange Postecoglou suffered in the past campaign as well. While Daniel Levy brought in the Romanian defender to cover for one defensive position, the American businessman has not yet brought in sufficient reinforcements to strengthen the depth in the heart of defence, leaving the Australian head coach with fairly limited options. 

The former Celtic coach played Eric Dier in the backup role in the previous campaign, where the now Bayern Munich defender wasn’t a feasible choice, although he did make things work when needed. And in the new season, veteran defender Ben Davies has been given a similar role as he prepares to fill in at CB in the upcoming games.

Davies takes up Dier role; to fill in at centre-back amid injury problems

With Romero as well as Micky van de Ven struggling with injuries, the 31-year-old is expected to partner Radu Dragusin at the heart of the defence, and journalist duo Rob Guest and Alasdair Gold has backed the Welshman to fill in at N17, with the former suggesting how Davies has changed roles from being a backup left-back to a centre-back in the Spurs roster.

Speaking on the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham, Rob Guest said:

“Credit as well to Ben Davies, who’s come on the past couple of games and performed well. I think he’s viewed as a centre-back now rather than a left-back at Tottenham because you’ve got Djed Spence and Archie Gray who can operate as left-backs if Destiny Udogie isn’t playing. But that’s what you want if your main two defenders are coming out. You want established options on the bench, and Tottenham do have that in defence now and certainly in midfield and other areas of the pitch.”

Gold continued:

“I just think the fit is better this season. In terms of last season, it was Eric Dier coming in. who just didn’t suit the system whatsoever.”

Ben Davies has proven his credentials at Tottenham for years, and while he is a bit of a misfit into the Ange Postecoglou high-intensity system just like Erik Dier used to be, he is certainly capable of doing the job when needed.

Do you think the 31-year-old can fill in at the heart of defence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.