Ledley: "Davinson will be up for the challenge – so will Harry"
The King looks ahead to fascinating all-Spurs clash in Moscow
Tue 03 July 2018, 13:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Ledley King can’t wait for the all-Spurs duel that could define England’s last 16 clash against Colombia in the World Cup this evening.
It’s Davinson Sanchez against Harry Kane as the team-mates go head-to-head in Moscow for a place in the quarter-finals. The pair could also be joined by Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier at the Otkritie Arena. Kick-off is 7pm.
Legendary former skipper Ledley, a Rolls Royce of a defender who played in the 2010 World Cup, was impressed with how Davinson adapted so quickly to the Premier League in his first season after signing from Ajax last summer.
Just 21, Davinson started 29 of his 31 appearances in the Premier League in a total of 41 appearances in all competitions. He was the only player to start all eight of our Champions League matches.
“Davinson adapted so effortlessly and for someone so young,” said Ledley, who played 324 times for us between 1999-2012. “I always say that the Premier League is probably the most difficult in the world with the physicality, the speed, the tempo, but the English game suits him.
“It’s everything he enjoys and he’s good with the ball at his feet as well. He took to the Premier League so well and that’s down to the players around him and the manager and coaching staff creating an environment in which he can thrive.”
As for Harry - what more needs to be said? Captain of the Three Lions in Russia, Harry currently tops the Golden Boot standings with five and he’s scored 11 goals in seven matches when he’s been wearing the armband. He’s just continuing where he left off for us last season when he scored 41 goals in all competitions.
Matchday has arrived for our #FiveLions and @daosanchez26! #COL 🆚 #ENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/yp2wmq8Lzi
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 3, 2018
“It’s going to be a real battle,” said Ledley, who has kept a keen eye on the youngster who joined our Academy during his playing days in 2009.
“They would have faced each other numerous times in training and will know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Davinson takes pride in defending and he’ll be up for this challenge, but so will Harry. It’s a fascinating match-up.”
