OPINION
Many Tottenham fans would be forgiven for fearing the return of defender Ben Davies, as it could see an end to Jan Vertonghen being used as a left-wing back.
The Evening Standard reported on Thursday that Spurs had been given a boost with the 25-year-old left-back back in training again after a groin strain had seen him miss the last five games.
Since Davies has been out of the team, with Danny Rose missing too, Vertonghen has stepped up in his absence and has wowed as a left-back – his original position at the club before he was moved into the centre.
The 31-year-old, who now regularly plays as a centre-back, has looked more than comfortable on the left-flank and has been more of an attacking threat.
It’s fair to say that Vertonghen’s recent displays have played a vital part in Spurs’ recent run of impressive form, and he scored one and made another in the recent 3-0 Champions League demolition job on Dortmund.
While Davies is more naturally suited to playing on the left-flank of defence, many Tottenham fans have every reason to be worried about him coming back in the team and bumping Vertonghen back into the centre.
Davies hasn’t had the best of seasons and has looked a liability at times. His displays against Leicester City and West Ham were particularly terrible outings and he’s come in for some severe criticism from fans.
However, with Rose back as well, Pochettino has options and as good as Vertonghen has been on the flanks, Tottenham need him at centre-back too. His versatility shows just what an important player he is for Tottenham.