Premier League 2019/20: 5 players who could win the North London derby for Tottenham

#3 Davinson Sanchez

The pace of Davinson Sanchez will be invaluable against Arsenal's speedy attackers

Colombian centre-back Davinson Sanchez has been somewhat of a controversial figure amongst Spurs fans during the opening games of the new season. Preferred to Jan Vertonghen for reasons apparently only known to Mauricio Pochettino, Sanchez has appeared to struggle under the pressure, and was largely at fault for both John McGinn’s goal for Aston Villa and Joelinton’s winner for Newcastle at the weekend.

Despite this, Sanchez could well prove to be a key man for Tottenham if they are able to defeat Arsenal in this Sunday’s North London derby. Likely to partner Toby Alderweireld at the heart of the Spurs defence, Sanchez is at least blessed with something that his two Belgian teammates are somewhat lacking – rapid pace. And that could be very important against Arsenal, who tend to deploy rapid attackers in the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and newcomer Nicolas Pepe.

If Sanchez can shake off his early-season jitters and get back to the imperious form he’s shown on plenty of occasions for Spurs, the Colombian could be the man to shackle the dangerous Aubameyang on Sunday and prevent him from making his killer runs. Do that, and there’s every chance he could help Spurs to victory.