THE RISE AND RISE OF DANNY ROSE
Wednesday April 14th 2010, North London Derby, White Hart Lane, Tottenham – a night forever engrained in the mind of any Spurs fan. It started with the usual feeling of intense nervous energy and adrenaline in equal measure, but as the team news broke that night, it was clear Harry Redknapp had made a massive call. A bright, fresh-faced 19 year old, was trusted to make his debut in such a monumental game. One that would not only mean Champions League football could be achieved through a top four finish for Tottenham, but that could also as good as end Arsenal’s title hopes. Not only that, Spurs had lost the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley a few days earlier, so a result was crucial to restore confidence at the Lane.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Emergence
That 19 year old, was Danny Rose; a young prospect signed for one million pounds from Leeds in 2007 who had appeared regularly in the Spurs academy – taking the place of Tottenham regular, Aaron Lennon, in the first XI who was unavailable to play through injury. Nobody was sure how this youngster would respond in such an intense situation. It only took 10 minutes for him to answer, in the most spectacular fashion – hitting an instinctive 30 yard volley past Manuel Almunia in the Arsenal goal. The strike would go on to be named goal of the season, helping to secure, not only a great win but a very memorable Premier League debut for Rose.
Loan Spells
Fast forward three years, a change of position (left-wing to left-back) multiple managers and four loans (to Watford, Peterborough, Bristol City & Sunderland respectively). It seemed that perhaps Rose wasn’t destined to break into the first team at all, and his performances were being put under scrutiny. Yet, almost out of the blue, in July 2014 it was announced that he had signed a new 5 year deal with Spurs. The announcement caused bewilderment from a section of Spurs fans. Disapproving fans made their feelings known and Rose to removed himself from social media.
Competition
Ben Davies was brought to Spurs from Swansea by manager, Mauricio Pochettino in order to increase competition for places. Part of his plan to re-shape Tottenham Hotspur into his vision of a young, hungry, hardworking side.
It proved to be a very astute decision and Rose, instead of resigning himself to the thought that Davies was bought in to replace him, used the competition to improve his game.
His performances have become more consistent; his defensive reading and decision making have vastly improved. He times his tackles well and is quick to intercept any overlapping runs from opposing wingers. He has also maintained a forward instinct and along with Kyle Walker have become the league’s most formidable attacking full backs.
On New Year’s Day 2015, he scored his first goal of that season in another memorable London derby, the 5 – 3 home win over Chelsea. Another intense game which left White Hart Lane absolutely rocking. He captained Tottenham for the first time on January 10th 2016 in an FA Cup match vs Leicester, after becoming Spurs’ longest serving member of the squad.
He would go onto tell Spurs TV that the captaincy was a ‘proud moment for him and his family’ and that he thought Pochettino was ‘joking’ when he informed him of it.
International Honours
After representing England at lower levels and being a part of the Great Britain Olympic football team in 2012, Rose was named in the Senior England squad. He made his first start in the 3-2 away victory to Germany in March 2016. He played almost every match during England’s, albeit unsuccessful, participation in Euro 2016. He has now, not only become first choice Tottenham left-back but first choice England left-back too and has become a firm favourite with Spurs fans. A monumental achievement given the adversity he faced only two years ago.
Lessons
There are lessons for us all in this. Through sheer talent, hard work and determination to succeed, Rose has been able to pull his Tottenham career back potentially from the brink of disaster. He is now a fundamental part of the current squad and seemingly the future plans of Tottenham Hotspur. At the age of 26, we could yet witness Rose at his peak in a Spurs shirt.
One thing is certain: under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino; Danny Rose has well and truly bloomed.
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