Davinson: Defensive fight pushes us on

Davinson Sanchez admits he and his teammates thrive on the growing competition for places in our backline.

Premier League football might have been suspended until the weekend of 3 April but the hard work on the training pitch still continues for Davinson and the rest of the squad as does the battle for defensive positions as the group keep their focus on preparations for the final nine games of the campaign.

Competition for places in the centre of our defence has been high throughout this season with Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Juan Foyth and the versatile Ben Davies all contending with the Colombian for starting spots in our backline. And now, with the breakthrough of Academy product Japhet Tanganga into the first team in recent weeks as well as Eric Dier’s intention of pursuing a role at the heart of our rear guard, that battle for places continues to rise.

But, it is seemingly a contest that Davinson and his teammates relish, as the 23-year-old explained it is something that can only push us on further.

“I feel always need to realise (there is competition) and wake up to it. I can’t rest or sleep,” our number six admitted. “There is always competition but every game I need to be on top form, do my job and help as much as I can.

“You can never think of yourself; you have to think of your teammates and bring out your qualities to the team. Competition is something that is good for the group.

“If you don’t have players that are versatile and can play in different positions, it can be difficult to change the system and the game. So, our versatility also can help us manage game and stay in control.

“As a player, you have to enjoy everything on the pitch. Sometimes there are not good moments, but you have to enjoy because that is the only way that you can deliver your best on the pitch. I try to be calm on the pitch because I trust my teammates and I’m confident in my own ability.”