OPINION
Tottenham ace Ben Davies has three games to convince Mauricio Pochettino that he should be the number one left-back as Danny Rose nears a return from injury.
Davies, 24, has become the first-choice full-back in the past 10 months since Rose picked up a serious knee injury in January.
He has become an ever-present in the Spurs side and has started the season in brilliant form, with two goals and two assists already to his name.
However, England international Rose has returned to first-team training and is working towards a long awaited comeback.
The Evening Standard claim that the 27-year-old will miss the next three matches for the North London club, but could mark his return in the EFL Cup against West Ham on 25 October.
That will give Davies at least three games to continue in the starting XI and he must make the most of that opportunity.
The Wales international found himself behind Rose in the pecking order when the two were both fully fit and the latter was recognised as the best left-back in the Premier League at one stage.
Davies will be no pushover as he has been one of the standout performers in the side this season, with his consistency on the left flank making him a Pochettino favourite.
He is defensively resolute and also show he can impact the game in the final third recently.
However, speed demon Rose will be desperate for his position back when he makes a full return and will back himself to retain the number one position.
The Sun have reported that Manchester United are preparing a £50million bid for Rose in January which has brought his future into question, but chairman Daniel Levy is reluctant to do business with their league rivals.
Pocehttino has a huge decision to make over his who will be his permanent left-back and Davies could find himself axed to the bench if his performances dip in the next three games.