According to ESPN Mauricio Pochettino has claimed there are “not many centre-backs in the world” who could play in his Tottenham back-three as well as Davinson Sanchez has been , and he said there is much more to come from the Colombian.
Sanchez ,21, he immediately adapted to life in the Premier League and Champions League after signing for us from Ajax for a club-record £42 million fee in August.
He had started all five European matches and missing just one league game, a defeat at Man United, since his debut.
The article adds that he has usually played the sweeper role in our three-man defence, as he did in the 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, and his pace & power makes him perfect for Tottenham’s high-line.
The article adds that Mauricio Pochettino believes there are few players in the world who could perform the role as well as his summer signing.
“You saw against against Dortmund how many times he was with [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang one vs. one,” Pochettino said ahead of West Brom’s visit to Wembley on Saturday.
“How many central defenders can play one vs. one and escape and go, be tight and press? If you run, I run because I am so confident when running! I think not many centre-backs in the world can do this.
Pochettino added “Or against Swansea against Tammy Abraham: how many times he was one vs. one and the ball was behind him, he was on the halfway line and running was not a problem? And against Cristiano Ronaldo, too?”
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The article adds that not long after Sanchez had signed, Pochettino backed him to become one of the best defenders in the world, and he reiterated that belief on Thursday, saying he believes the centre-back is nowhere near fulfilling his potential, despite such a strong start at Spurs.
“We expect more from him but I am so happy with him. He is doing well, very well, he’s only 21 years old but he shows more maturity [than that] and he’s so aggressive when he’s marking, his concentration [is good] and then with the ball he’s good, but I think he can improve,” Pochettino said.
He added: “There is massive scope to improve potentially, it’s massive for him. In only a few months, he’s showing he’s doing fantastic job for us.
“[He can improve in] every single aspect, tactic, physical condition, technique,” added Pochettino, who explained that Sanchez had not had any preseason at Tottenham after signing on Aug. 23 and leaving soon after for international duty.
Pochettino also said: “We need with him one-month-and-a-half or two months preseason every day, and then I’m sure he’s going to show a different level. I think he’s one of the best today but has potential to improve a lot more.
“Because he’s so clever, and he’s very humble, and he’s very open to learn, he’s a player when you tell something his reaction is to be open, and be critical with himself, and that is a massive skill from a player, when he’s so open to improve, and then the conditions he has are amazing to be one of the best centre-halves in the world.”
So a bold statement from Pochettino. It’s great backing for Sanchez and will no doubt give the young man confidence. What have you made to the Colombian’s life at Spurs? Does he have the potential to be the best, certainly seems to be doing very little wrong. Let us know your thoughts
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