Spurs fans have been discussing the performance of Ben Davies during the 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Welsh international struggled throughout the game against Julian Nagelsmann’s side, earning a 5.8 rating for his performance – and it was his rash challenge (2:33) that gifted Timo Werner the opportunity to win the game from the penalty spot, a chance the German striker comfortably took. The former Swansea man has just returned to the Spurs first team after several months out with an ankle injury, and impressed in his first game back against Aston Villa last weekend.
Since joining in 2014, the left-back has gone on to make 179 appearances for the North London club and now looks to be first-choice in Jose Mourinho’s side after Danny Rose joined Newcastle United during the January transfer window. A post from Chris Miller on Twitter sparked the conversation amongst Spurs fans.
Who should start at left-back against Chelsea?
Ben Davies
Japhet Tanganga
Reaction from Spurs fans to Davies’ performance in the defeat by Leipzig can be seen in the tweets below.
One fan even described him as worse than Timothy Atouba. The former Spurs man made 16 appearances for the Lilywhites in his year stint, but failed to impress.
Davies is worse than Timothy Atouba. Championship player. Offers nothing going forward and defensive liability
— Matt (@mlawrence1985) February 20, 2020
I feel kinda sorry for him. Comes back from injury and has to play against that press. Then again, so did Tanganga.
— Fynn Lüttge (@23Fynn) February 19, 2020
Anyone, and this includes Jose, who thought Davies was the answer to our left side must not have watched him at spurs the last 6 odd years. One of the most average players going. Not great defensively or offensively. Just a meh player
— Bradley Flanagan (@Brad_Flange) February 19, 2020
I have said and will keep on saying – we desperately need a LB AND a RB
— Brick Top (@Eradicator_NYC) February 19, 2020
My thoughts exactly & there were signs on Sunday of rustiness. Tanganga hasn’t put a foot wrong & benched. He can complain about players not bein fit but playin Davies twice in 3days after 3months out makes no sense & never went forward just played 10yard back passes n sideways!
— Aaron Fearon (@ferndogger1) February 19, 2020
I’ve always considered him as a great squad player, a backup that starts occasionally! Good for depth (and Cup ties) but not on UCL nights.
— Ferngully44 (@Ferngully44) February 19, 2020
Feel bad for him, cost us the clean sheet and who knows, maybe the tie. Better luck in Germany
— JKnight (@jkvt) February 19, 2020
Awful, sluggish and clunky tackle
— Josh F (@J50SHF) February 19, 2020
These Spurs fans clearly felt that Davies wasn’t at his best in Wednesday night’s defeat and perhaps feel that Japhet Tanganga should reclaim his place in the side ahead of Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge.
What do we think?
Davies, who is valued at £19.8 million (as per Transfermarkt), really struggled against Leipzig on Wednesday and perhaps should be benched against Chelsea to try and ensure that he isn’t rushed back too quickly from his injury.