da bet sport： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da doce： Davinson Sanchez has responded to comments made by Jose Mourinho in a professional but determined style which says a lot about his character.
What did he say?
The Portuguese boss remarked two years ago that his Manchester United side exploited a weakness in the defender’s game which allowed his side to beat Ajax in the Europa League final.
Mourinho placed a focus on allowing Sanchez time on the ball, calling into question his ability on the ball – a tagline which has stuck with the 23-year-old ever since.
The Colombia international admitted he was well aware of the manager’s comments, but he hasn’t taken it to heart, and instead chooses to use it as a positive which could allow him to get better.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said: “I know about it and my reaction was, ‘Give me the ball to play now!’ Not to show him, just to do my job. That experience puts me in a better position to be here and see how life is.
“There are many things to improve. I’m not nearly a perfect player, that’s why I need to keep going.”
His attitude is exactly what Spurs need right now, with only four wins in 13 games this campaign, and he has already made good on his desire to improve, achieving a pass accuracy of 93% and 94% in his previous two matches against Crvena Zvezda and Watford respectively.
Mature mindset
It is quite easy to forget that Sanchez is still young and has been in England for just two years, as he has made considerable strides in his game since his move from the Dutch champions.
Spurs have suffered defensively of late and that could allow him to nail down a regular place in the side, but his positive attitude means he could also become a key part of the team for years to come.
Check out what one thing all Spurs fans are saying about Son in the video below…
As a result, even if Mauricio Pochettino was to depart, to possibly be replaced by Mourinho – who has been linked – he could maintain his place at the club, as a determination to improve and succeed is what every manager looks for.
With certain players seemingly focused on things other than Tottenham, it is refreshing to see a player willing to learn and not taking the club for granted, and such an outlook could spread throughout the squad.
The futures of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Verthonghen both look uncertain with their contract’s expiring at the end of the season, and that could present Sanchez with the opportunity to step up to the plate and win his manager’s trust.