Two tackles, three interceptions and a key pass: Surprise Tottenham star gives Conte food for thought

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Davinson Sanchez was a surprise introduction into the match as Tottenham beat Leeds on Sunday – but his stats will have impressed Antonio Conte.

Starting the game on the bench, 25-year-old defender Sanchez was brought on after 68 minutes. That is, despite Spurs having the momentum at 1-1.

Many had expected Antonio Conte to bring on his incredible attacking talent from the bench – Tanguy Ndombele, Bryan Gil or Steven Bergwijn.

But with the scores deadlocked and Spurs in the ascendancy, Conte swapped Japhet Tanganga for Sanchez. A minute later, and Spurs scored.

While it was nothing really to do with the Colombia international, the stats prove that bringing on Sanchez was a stroke of genius from Conte.

He was brilliant in the 22 minutes he played, producing two tackles – second with Tanganga, Harry Winks and Harry Kane, according to WhoScored.

Sanchez was also joint first in terms of interceptions with three, level with Sergio Reguilon – and he produced a key pass. His cameo role was excellent.

Could Sanchez force his way into Tottenham side under Conte?

While there is certainly a chance, it looks unlikely. Conte likes a three-man defence and that will at least give Sanchez hope, he could play on Thursday.

But in terms of the starting side in the Premier League, he is back-up. That is because Conte likes a leader in the heart of his defence – Eric Dier.

The duo are clearly of similar mould, and Conte trusts him. Conte is also an admirer of Cristian Romero having watched him shine in Serie A last term.

On the left, it has to be a left-footed defender and Ben Davies has been solid in the three games since Conte came in. Sanchez struggled to get into that.