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When Tottenham secured the signature of Ben Davies in July, many may have believed that Danny Rose’s time at White Hart Lane was up. The left-back appeared to have failed to realise his potential at the club and the signing of a younger player in his position suggested Mauricio Pochettino felt something similar. Nevertheless, a little over a week after Davies made his switch to north London, Rose signed a 5-year contract extension with the club.
Rose initially started the campaign as first choice left-back under Pochettino, but some were of the opinion that Davies would eventually usurp his teammate in the starting XI. For a brief spell prior to the hectic festive period, Davies regularly featured in the Spurs defence. From New Year’s Day onwards, however, Rose all-but confirmed his place as Spurs’ starting left-back with a goal and an assist in the memorable 5-3 win over Chelsea, a match in which he gained a WhoScored rating of 8.48.
Following the victory over the Blues, Rose has started 11 of Spurs’ last 12 league matches, missing only the 2-1 win over QPR at Loftus Road last month. In fact, some might even go as far to say that the 24-year-old is now perhaps one of the first names on the teamsheet, given his notable form. Only star man Harry Kane (7.37) and centre-back Federico Fazio (7.34) have gained a better WhoScored rating than Rose (7.21) of all Spurs players in the Premier League this season.
As the North London side trudge towards the season’s end, Rose continues to be one of the only players who can continue to leave the pitch with his head held high. In the disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, his rating (6.98) was the 4th highest of all Spurs players, with Rose offering some much-needed width from deep. In Pochettino’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, the Argentine demands the widemen in the attacking trio to cut inside, freeing up space for the full-backs to overlap. Rose, as he has proven time and time again this season, adheres to the wishes of his manager.
His average of 1 key pass per league game this season is bettered only by offensive trio Christian Eriksen(2.3), Erik Lamela (1.6) and Nacer Chadli (1.2) of all Spurs players currently at the club. Furthermore, only Lamela and Chadli (both 5) have registered more assists than the Spurs left-back (4) this term.
The current campaign marks what has been Rose’s best to date. His WhoScored rating this term is an improvement on the previous season (7.06) and it’s clear how much of an impact Pochettino has had on the defender’s development. During his time as Southampton boss, Pochettino's managerial qualities helped Luke Shaw become one of the best left-backs in the country.
Shaw’s performances for the south coast side saw him secure a big-money move to Manchester United last summer and while injury has hampered his impact, the 19-year-old has failed to live up to expectations under Louis van Gaal when called on.
It’s perhaps no coincidence that Rose’s displays have improved while Shaw’s have declined this season, with Pochettino playing a key role in the former’s progression. A defender during his playing days, the Argentine’s coaching has aided Rose. The number of tackles (2.9) and interceptions per game (2.3) Rose has averaged has increased on last season (2.6 and 2, respectively), subsequently gaining statistically calculated WhoScored strengths of ‘tackling’ and ‘ball interception’ as a result.
Having excelled both defensively and offensively, Rose, it can be argued, is now as important a member to the team as Hugo Lloris, Eriksen and Kane, such has been his recent form. His performances at left-back have seen Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly show an interest, while a first England cap will surely come in time. A majority of Spurs’ attacks this season have come down either the right or left flank (35%), increasing the importance of both full-backs.
Rose, though, has perhaps performed above expectations, with Pochettino’s management and the improvement in competition benefitting the player and the club. Last season, the disappointing Kyle Naughton was Rose’s main threat for a starting berth, which perhaps saw the Englishman’s displays dip as a result. Now with better backup in the form of Davies, Rose has to maintain a high level of consistency in defence or run the risk of losing his first team spot. The former Leeds United trainee, however, has not allowed the pressure to get the better of him.
Spurs may be labouring towards the finish line this season, but Rose’s performances have not dwindled. With Eriksen and Chadli, among others, failing to impress of late, the defender has undertaken the role as primary offensive outlet, while his commendable fitness levels mean he is capable of returning to the back to carry out his defensive duties. Currently, a mainstay in the Spurs starting XI, Rose is one of the players who has flourished with Pochettino at the helm. Now accustomed to the Argentine’s system, the young left-back will only improve further as Spurs strive to end what has been another transitional season on a high.
