Player Profile: Ben Davies

Full Name: Benjamin Thomas Davies

Age: 30 (as of 2024)

Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Position: Left-back / Centre-back

National Team: Wales

Characteristics

Strengths

Versatility: Davies is capable of playing both as a left-back and as a centre-back, providing tactical flexibility for his team. His ability to adapt to different defensive roles makes him a valuable asset.

Defensive Solidity: He is known for his strong defensive play, showcasing good positioning, tackling, and an ability to read the game effectively.

Crossing and Passing: As a left-back, Davies contributes offensively with quality crosses into the box and maintains a high passing accuracy, which is crucial for building up plays from the back.

Weaknesses

Pace: While he is not significantly slow, Davies lacks the high-end speed compared to some of the top wingers he faces, which can be a disadvantage in wide areas.

Offensive Contribution: Although he provides support in attack, his contributions in terms of goals and assists are relatively modest.

Style of Play

Davies excels in a structured defensive setup where he can use his intelligence and experience to make key interventions. Whether as a centre-back or a left-back, he is reliable in one-on-one situations and is strong in aerial duels. In the left-back position, he actively participates in the attack, often overlapping with the midfield to provide width and crossing opportunities. His ability to switch play with long passes is also notable.

Performance

Offensively, he helps in initiating attacks from the back and can deliver precise crosses from the left flank. His role in offensive play is more about support and creating opportunities for others. Defensively, Davies is a steadfast defender who provides stability and consistency. He is particularly effective in managing defensive cover and clearing dangers from set pieces.

National Team Contributions

Ben Davies is a regular starter for the Welsh national team, where he brings experience and leadership. His performances in international competitions have been critical in Wales’ defensive resilience.

Contract Status

Current Contract Ends: 2024

Contract Details: Davies’s contract with Tottenham Hotspur is set to expire in 2024. Discussions about renewal or potential moves might already be underway, given his contract situation.

Ben Davies’s versatility and defensive reliability make him a crucial player for Tottenham Hotspur and the Welsh national team. His experience and tactical awareness on the field are invaluable, particularly in key matches and tournaments. As his contract nears expiration, his future at the club may depend on negotiations and his desire to continue at the top level or seek new challenges.

Performance During 2023–2024 Season

Ben Davies, a seasoned defender for Tottenham Hotspur, had a mixed 2023–2024 season marked by solid performances and some challenges. As a left-back, Davies contributed significantly to the team’s defensive stability and occasionally to their offensive play.

Throughout the season, Davies’ defensive reliability was a cornerstone for Tottenham. He was known for his tactical awareness, ability to read the game, and strong positioning, which helped in thwarting opposition attacks. His experience and composure were evident in crucial matches, particularly in high-stakes games against top-tier teams.

One of the highlights of Davies’ season was his performance against Manchester City in December 2023, where he played a crucial role in maintaining a disciplined defense that helped secure a 3-3 draw. His ability to keep pace with City’s dynamic forwards and make critical interceptions showcased his defensive prowess. Similarly, in a match against Chelsea, Davies’ defensive contributions were vital in a closely contested encounter that ended in a narrow defeat for Spurs.

Offensively, Davies was not a prolific scorer but contributed with crucial assists and supported forward plays when necessary. His overlapping runs and ability to deliver precise crosses added an extra dimension to Tottenham’s attacking options. An example of this was his assist in the match against Crystal Palace, where his well-timed run and cross led to a decisive goal.

However, the season was not without its difficulties for Davies. He faced intermittent injuries that affected his consistency and availability for selection. Despite these setbacks, he demonstrated resilience and determination to return to form quickly. His ability to bounce back from injuries and regain his place in the starting lineup underscored his importance to the squad.

Throughout the 2023–2024 season, Ben Davies’ professionalism and experience were invaluable to Tottenham Hotspur. His contributions on both ends of the pitch were significant, helping Spurs in their quest for a top-four finish. Despite the physical challenges, his performances were marked by commitment and a high level of skill, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and versatile defender