Tottenham Hotspur are set to return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Luton Town in a 3pm kickoff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The international break put a stop to domestic proceedings, but with this now out of the way, Spurs can get back to business in pursuit of Champions League qualification.
With regards to European football, March international break was largely composed of friendlies, with players eager to stake a claim ahead of Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
However, a dozen UEFA countries were in play-off action, hoping to overcome that last hurdle and secure a spot at the tournament in Germany.
Three Tottenham players represented Wales as they sought to qualify for Euro 2024. Sadly, the Dragons fell agonisingly short, losing to Poland on penalties in their final.
Ben Davies, Joe Rodon and Brennan Johnson played a big part for Wales in their qualifying campaign, but sadly they’ve had to return to Hotspur Way on the back of disappointment.
Ahead of Tottenham v Luton, Ange Postecoglou spoke at length about Davies, in conversation with football.london.
What has Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said about Ben Davies?
The £8million defender made a passionate speech to the Wales squad in wake of their heart-breaking loss to Poland, looking to rally his troops for the next campaign.
Alasdair Gold asked Postecoglou whether this made him proud, and the Spurs boss replied: “Yeah, I love players playing for their national teams, I know what it means to them and for me.
“Ben’s an outstanding character. I sensed that straight away in the way he carries himself, the way he thinks about the game, the way he thinks about his position in the game, the influence he can have.
“From my perspective, the more of those kind of guys you can have in a dressing room, it helps you make sure the standards and environment you want to create is going to be one to take us to another level. Ben’s certainly one of those.”
Ben Davies ‘great’ for Tottenham and ‘trains the house down every day’
Postecoglou also acknowledged that Davies hasn’t had as much game time for Tottenham as he would’ve liked, but also hailed his attitude in training despite this.
“He’s been great whenever he’s played for us this year, obviously probably wanted to play a bit more but at the same time it’s testament to his character that when he has played he’s been ready to play,” he said.
“He trains the house down every day and disappointed and gutted for him and Brennan.
“Especially for him because you realise later in your career that the opportunity to qualify for these kinds of tournaments is eventually going to run out.
“So when you don’t, it can obviously be pretty disappointing.”
Davies has often received praise from managers for his amazing attitude in the dressing room. He truly is an asset for club and country, and hopefully he’ll get more game time for Spurs in the coming weeks.
He’s all-but guaranteed to be in the matchday squad at least as Tottenham face a Luton side battling bravely for their Premier League status.
