Tottenham stole a march on many rivals by pipping top suitors all around Europe to the signature of Colombian international Davinson Sanchez.
The 21-year-old arrived in North London last summer from Ajax for £35million, and has since established himself as one of the first names on manager Mauricio Pochettino’s team sheet.
Sanchez has taken Europe by storm, just 2 years after arriving from Atlético Nacional, and after establishing himself as one the best young centre-backs on the continent at the Eredivisie giants’ last term, he’s on his way to becoming one of the best in the Premier League.
The youngster has started all but 7 Premier League games for Spurs this term, coming off the bench once.
While he’s not the favorites for the PFA Young Player of the Year prize, his name should definitely be up there with the likes of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, once the nominations emerge in April.
Sanchez’s ability on the ball – one of the reasons Barcelona were very keen on his services – has seen him forge a strong partnership with Jan Vertonghen, and it’s safe to say the injured Toby Alderweireld hasn’t been really missed.
Sanchez has completed 88% of his attempted passes in the EPL, a return bettered by only Mousa Dembélé in the club.
Despite his inexperience, he’s yet to commit an error leading to a goal, with all his willingness to always bringing the ball out from the back.
Not many 21-year-old defenders can boast of such level of expertise in their debut Premier League campaign.
The Colombian averages 6 defensive actions per game, winning 55 out of his 96 attempted headed duels thus far and completing all 7 of his attempted take-ons.
With only a single booking to his name, Sanchez has demonstrated his ability to keep his cool and play fairly in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Spurs are looking to finish in top 4 this term and also go all the way in the Champions League, and last season’s Ajax Player of the Year is playing a huge role in their campaign.
The Colombian is without a doubt on his way to making the PFA Teams of the Year in subsequent seasons, should he keep on improving at this rate.
Not many will bet against it.
