MAURICIO MARK II
Poch: Sanchez is a lot like me.. and can be one of the world’s best centre-backs
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has claimed new record signing Davinson Sanchez will be “one of the best centre-backs in the world”.
But the Argentine hardman has already given the Colombian a crash course in English football by taking him out in training. Spurs have paid £38million for the Ajax defender and are awaiting clearance to see if he can face Burnley tomorrow. “It’s a massive opportunity, because we believe he will be one of the best centre-backs in the world in the future,” said Pochettino. “That is why we made the effort to try to sign him. “He’s young but with an amazing history and background. He won the Copa Libertadores with his team in Colombia. And played regularly at Ajax, including in the Europa League final against Manchester United. “I like his personality and how he is aggressive, he is fast, he will fit for us very well. He has all the characteristics for success here.” Pochettino said the 21-yearold reminded him of his younger self. At his first European club, Espanyol, the Spurs boss confronted his coach Jose Camacho, when he was left out.
“I showed my character to him from the beginning,” he recalled. “With Davinson, I challenged him yesterday. We were playing and the ball was in the air and – Bam! – he fell, and I had the ball.”
After also bringing in back-up keeper Paulo Gazzaniga, Pochettino said he was “confident” Spurs would make more signings before the transfer window closes. Reports in France have claimed Paris Saint-Germain full-back Serge Aurier has undergone a medical.
But while fringe players will be leaving, the Tottenham boss insisted Toby Alderweireld (below) is staying put.
“I was talking for one hour with Toby today,” he said. “He is so happy here. The club now is so busy trying to add more quality to the team. It’s true that Davinson is more competition for our centre-backs but it can only be good.
“No doubt, when the window finishes, Daniel Levy will try to work and make happy every single player of the club.”
Pochettino welcomed the glamorous Champions League draw against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. “Can we get through?,” he said. “Yes, always I am very optimistic.”
More immediately, Spurs need a first win this season at Wembley, where the rugby league Challenge Cup final will be staged today.
“I’m not concerned because we have unbelievable groundsmen, who are working very closely with the Wembley groundsmen,” he added.
“I’m sure on Sunday we will find the pitch in the condition we need to play football.”