Are these three lessons Spurs should take from Euro 2016?

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Make use of Ben Davies’ versatility

The news of Jan Vertonghen’s training-ground injury was a heart-in-mouth moment for many Spurs fans. With Kevin Wimmer glued to the Austrian bench, fourth choice behind Dragovic, Hinteregger and Prodl, Spurs fans had every right to fear for their side’s defensive stability come the start of the season. Fortunately, the performances of Ben Davies on the left of Wales’ back three showed that Spurs’ centre-back options aren’t limited to the first-choice Belgian duo and Wimmer. Davies demonstrated a passing range akin to that of Vertonghen, slicing through midfield lines with slick balls to the feet of Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey. Although a natural left-back, Davies looks a good fit as an auxiliary left-sided center-back. Not as dominant in the air as Wimmer, the Welshman instead possesses a remarkable maturity off the ball, reading the game and intercepting through-balls ala Franco Baresi. Alongside Toby Alderweireld their styles would sync perfectly, with the Belgian launching his trade-mark long balls and Davies keeping it on the floor.

The only concern surrounding Davies’ centre-back credentials is the disparity in systems between Spurs and Wales. Wales’ five-man defense afforded him ample cover and a platform to step out of defence and influence the game with his vision. Left-wing-back Neil Taylor would cover his surges and Ashley Williams would sweep up any loose balls that by-passed him. At Spurs, a four-man defense might expose his lack of presence. Rose and Walker are prone to pushing high up the pitch and Spurs’ high line might feel foreign to Davies who is used to sitting deeper under Coleman’s system. Despite the possibility of numerous pitfalls, this remains an intriguing proposition for Pochettino to explore in preseason. Watch this space.