Tottenham fans waving their flags (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Long-time Tottenham full-back Ben Davies appears to be nearing the end of his time at Spurs.
Having spent more than a decade in north London, Davies is now officially Tottenham’s longest-serving member of the squad, and his status has understandably sparked discussion among fans and pundits as to when it will be time to say goodbye.
According to Tottenham Hotspur News, with Davies’ role diminishing and younger players emerging, Spurs fans are already expecting him to leave the pitch for the last time, to a standing ovation from the supporters who have seen him through thick and thin.
Davies joined Tottenham from Swansea City in 2014 and has since built a respected, if often understated, legacy.
Throughout his long career with the club, he made 358 appearances, contributing 9 goals and recording 26 assists.
Even in a season where he wasn’t guaranteed a starting role, Davis was reliable to step in when needed and maintain a high standard.
Under Thomas Frank, Spurs have improved both tactically and in terms of personnel, with the emergence of young full-backs and defenders.
Davies’ playing time has been gradually decreasing and there has been talk of a possible departure, especially with the club’s focus on competing at the highest level in both the Premier League and Europe.
Will Ben Davies leave Tottenham?
Former Premier League midfielder Martin Allen believes Davies will receive an emotional exit from Spurs fans when he leaves the club.
“Is he good enough to continue it in the Premier League now?” Allen said.
“I don’t know, I doubt it, but if there is a competition in the Champions League, all the players will have to reach Champions League level.
“We’re going to need all of them to contribute. He’ll probably play in games like the FA Cup, League Cup and minor games in the Premier League, maybe even play.”
“But I think his time at Tottenham is probably coming to an end. And any Tottenham fan will give him a standing ovation when he plays his last game for Tottenham, because he’s a great player for Tottenham. But I think he’s coming to the end of his time at Tottenham.”
Although his playing time has dwindled and the team has restructured around new players, his legacy remains etched into the Spurs’ identity.
When that moment arrives, few will be surprised if after the final whistle there is applause, thanks and a standing ovation befitting a player who has given so much to the Lilywhites.
Report: Tottenham join four-way battle for £87m-rated forward