Ben Davies and Joe Rodon will take a gloomy flight home from Amsterdam after Wales crashed out in their 4-0 defeat against Denmark.
Despite the curtailment of their Euro 2020 campaign, the defensive duo demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest levels in a defence together.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies and Joe Rodon Crash Out of Euro 2020
Wales Duo Perform Well Despite Final Match Drubbing
Discounting the heavy defeat to Denmark, Wales played an exciting Euro 2020 tournament. Davies and Rodon were regular fixtures in the side and contributed to the sides strong performances against Turkey, Switzerland and also against Italy.
The collapse in the final game does place a question mark over the pairing, though. Wales started the match well, but once Denmark scored the first goal, Wales looked bereft of confidence, energy and strategy.
In the second half, just as things were starting to pick up for the Welsh, the Danes struck again, adding two late on. There was no question of who deserved to win, but the bumper scoreline didn’t quite do Wales justice after some compact, well-drilled matches in the group stages.
It was a sad way to bow out.
But, Davies and Rodon continued to be strong performers for their country, in some big matches against top opposition. Meanwhile, Spurs are still searching desperately for a manager, with another eye on incoming transfers.
Spurs Manager and Player Hunt Silent
The manager rumour mill keeps grinding away and Spurs have already put a fair few names through the thresher. The latest name to go through (again) is Nuno Espirito Santo. Alasdair Gold guardedly warns that Nuno could be announced next week, just before the start of pre-season.
It is already taken far too long to source a manager, with Spurs without a permanent head coach since April. If Nuno eventually comes in, he should have a pre-season to start shaping his squad. It is unknown as to whether Levy will sanction another summer of spending.
The chairman certainly needs to splash some cash with holes all too apparent in the Spurs squad last season. This does include making improvements in the defence.
Rodon, 23, made 14 starts in appearances for Tottenham last season. Under Mourinho, he only really had a squad rotation role. He got his chances across all competitions, but never quite cemented a place ahead of Alderweireld or Sanchez.
His recent performances in the Euros have been really promising. Like Davies, Rodon fought well in defence for Wales with plenty of blocks and tackles. Physically he might lack the strength of Davinson Sanchez, but he still has the speed to keep up with the pacier talents in the Premier League.
There is no questioning his commitment for Wales, and that courage and lack of hesitation to put his body on the line would transfer over to Spurs well.
Davies Solid and Steady
Davies has always been a solid performer for club and country. But with the arrival of Sergio Reguilon, Davies has rightly been edged out as the number one left-back choice. Going forward, Reguilon has the edge with his pace and ability to get in behind defences.
That said, Davies can play at centre-back as well as left-back and under Mourinho showed that he was capable of playing as a defensive wing-back. His efforts going forward have improved since he first arrived at the club in 2014.
Spurs have been linked with more wing-backs including Max Aarons, especially with the likes of Serge Aurier reportedly wanting to leave the club. It is important for Levy, director of football Fabio Paratici and whoever they select as the new head coach to really evaluate this squad- this sinking ship- and consider where improvements can be made all over the pitch.
Davies and Rodon have proven that they are still valuable players with international experience. Both players could fetch decent transfer fees, though, and their recent Euros performances would have piqued the interest of potential suitors.
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