Tottenham are targeting a left-sided centre-back addition this summer but there is no guarantee that the new arrival will be an automatic starter in Antonio Conte's XI. Fresh from making Richarlison their fourth summer signing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, attention now turns to strengthening the backline.
Not only do Spurs require a left-sided centre-back to compete with Ben Davies, the Lilywhites are also pursuing a right wing-back to really make Conte's system tick. Djed Spence is the player Tottenham are targeting but they have been unable to agree on a fee with Middlesbrough for his services so far.
In terms of the position on the left of the three-man defence, which is a priority after the club elected against strengthening there in January, Spurs have been unable to prise away Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol. The club are in discussions over a loan move for Barcelona's Clement Lenglet and they will push through a deal for the Frenchman if they cannot secure their top targets for the role.
READ MORE: Surprise faces return to Hotspur Way for Tottenham pre-season training as new signings spotted
Impressing in his time at Sevilla and coming to the attention of Barcelona in the process, the 27-year-old was a regular at the back for the Spanish giants in his first three seasons at the club before playing a bit-part role last term. A Camp Nou exit does look to be on the cards, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a potential destination.
Capable of playing on the left and also in the middle, Lenglet would give Conte options in defence and also the competition he desperately wants. Spurs' pursuit of a new centre-back to play on the left doesn't necessarily mean that the incoming player will be an automatic starter, however.
A player in the past who was perhaps not appreciated by all Tottenham fans, Davies has deservedly earned plenty of plaudits since Conte's November arrival after excelling in his new role in the Spurs team. The 29-year-old still has the license to push forward and attack in Conte's system but he has also demonstrated just how good a defender he is.
It really is the perfect role to get the best out of his qualities, with Conte making that clear to football.london after the win over Norwich City at the start of December.
"Yeah, you’re right because Ben is playing very well and I think that that role specifically, I can get out the best of him. And it happens the same with [Cesar] Azpilicueta and I think the three central defenders, it's important to be good defensively. But at the same time, for me it's important to play football, have personality and play the ball," explained the Italian.
"Also when you find a team that's defending very low, it’s very important in this system. I need players with personality to play the ball and also to be offensive. Ben is one of these players, he shows great solidity and plays well defensively. I’m happy for him. We are talking about a really good person, a good guy. He’s always really focused and concentrated. He played well."
While some of course may point to a lack of competition on the left of a back three, that should not take away at all from the quality performances the Welshman delivered week in, week out, some coming against the Premier League's best. Playing a big part in Tottenham's Champions League push after a major transformation at the back after conceding some sloppy goals earlier in the season, Davies has formed quite the partnership alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero and also improved as a player under Conte's guidance.
It's not just club football where Davies has taken his game to a new level, however. Two weeks after helping Spurs seal a Champions League berth following a 5-0 triumph at Norwich City, the defender helped Wales qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a slender 1-0 win over Ukraine.
Having to hold on with the visitors looking for a way back into the play-off tie, Davies produced one of the best performances of his career and delivered with some incredible blocks and tackles, leading to his former Wales teammate Dave Edwards to label one of his tackles on Andriy Yarmolenko as "heroic". Davies was a colossus for his country and his performance only demonstrated that Conte and Tottenham have some defender on their hands.
A new centre-back may arrive as part of the club's summer transfer business but they will be in for a major battle with the Wales international when it comes to a starting spot. Big changes are taking place at Tottenham this summer but don't be surprised if Davies keeps his place in Conte's Spurs team after thriving under him so far.
READ NEXT:
- Tottenham announce two more summer signings after Richarlison deal confirmed
- Tottenham news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Full Tottenham Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
- Antonio Conte set to sign renowned coach Gianni Vio to help Tottenham in one much-needed area
Fabio Paratici's 3 Tottenham transfer tasks to complete for Antonio Conte before pre-season tour
