Tottenham got their second victory of the season on Saturday, with Harry Kane helping them secure all three points against Wolves. Spurs have now won two and drawn one of their fixtures, which Antonio Conte will be very pleased with.
Since the Italian's arrival, individuals and the team as a whole have seen major improvements, both on and off the pitch. The Lilywhites have also welcomed six new arrivals this summer, with Destiny Udogie being a seventh, although he has been loaned back to Udinese.
One key area of improvement has been the back line. During Saturday's game, Jermaine Jenas picked out Eric Dier and Ben Davies as two of the most improved players since Conte took charge.
READ MORE: Ben Davies explains why Tottenham players would 'run through brick wall' for Antonio Conte
Both players have had their fair share of criticism over the years but have shown that they can deal with much of what is thrown at them, even against the top teams in the league. At the end of last season, the 53-year-old had already made bold predictions about Dier.
"Eric Dier can become one of the best players in the world in that position. For sure, he needs to work and continue to improve and understand the movement with the defensive line," he admitted.
"He has a great space for improvement, but we are talking about a really good player, strong physically with a good personality. This role is perfect for him. He has to continue this way because he can become one of the best central defenders."
Conte has also been full of praise for Davies, and this praise is something that former Tottenham managers have also echoed.
"Ben is playing very well, and I think that that role specifically, I can get out the best of him. I need players with personality to play the ball and also to be offensive," the Italian explained in December.
"Ben is one of these players, he shows great solidity and plays well defensively. He's always really focused and concentrated. He played well."
One of the key things Tottenham needed to improve on has been consistency, and the duo are two players who have been producing solid displays week in, week out. Before the Chelsea clash and when the Spurs players were warming up by the away fans, supporters were cheering the side on and Davies was seen nodding at them, showing his focus and fight.
Against Bruno Lage's side, the Welshman had 83.9 per cent passing accuracy and produced six long balls and four clearances. Davies may not produce the perfect performances, and this was seen in the 1-0 win, as he let Matheus Nunes get ahead of him when the 23-year-old had a good chance for the away side.
However, he shows the fight and determination that Conte looks for from his players and the defender gave an honest assessment of his side's performance after the game. "It was a tough game," he told Spurs TV.
"I think first half we let them onto us a bit too much and they caused us a few problems. They've got a lot of quality. They've spent a lot on some world-class players, and they made it tough for us, but in the second half, I thought we were much better and deserved to win."
Davies was then asked about Harry Kane, who scored the only goal of the game and broke Sergio Aguero's record for the most Premier League goals scored at one club. The 29-year-old heaped praise for the England captain, who continues to play a huge part in Conte's side.
"It was nice to see it go in [Kane's header for the goal]. It's another personal record for him, so delighted for him," Davies admitted. "It was a big goal in the context of the game, and like I said, they made it tough, and once we got that goal, we felt pretty confident we could see it out.
"It's crazy. It's an unbelievable record, and I'm sure he'll continue for a very long time. He doesn't look like he's slowing down anytime soon, and to have someone as professional as him leading your line, someone with the quality he has, not just in front of goal but his all-around game, he's a pleasure to play with.
"Today, people might say the defender could've done better, but you know, when you're so focused on Harry Kane's movements, so quick, he just reads the game so well, and for me in that situation, the defender can't do alot. He's too clever for you in those situations and those goals, he makes it look easy, but there's a big skill behind it," Davies added.
The Welshman ended the interview with a clear key message about what Tottenham need to do. "It's trying to build some momentum and about trying to pick up as many points as we can early on in the season," he explained. "It's a season where I think every point is valuable. I think last season showed that, so it's important we kick on from here."
Spurs have some more tough fixtures coming up and need to make the necessary improvements to ensure they can keep up these winning ways. Davies also needs to make sure he continues to work hard, with Clement Lenglet battling for the left centre-back spot.
However, it will be pleasing for Conte to know his strong back line are continuing with their consistency to help the Tottenham side get as many points as possible.
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