‘Miss you terribly’ – Van de Ven reacts to emotional Ben Davies message at Tottenham
Ben Davies has paid an emotional tribute to a Tottenham Hotspur legend who became “part of the family” in North London.
Davies is one of the senior players who had been tipped to leave Tottenham this summer amid interest from championship newcomers Wrexham, but his vast experience is now set to be heavily leaned upon.
Thomas Frank‘s summer overhaul at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been largely focused on their options in defence, with Kevin Danso signed permanently, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai both arriving.
Sergio Reguilon‘s departure could also require the likes of Davies and Micky van de Ven to fill in at full-back next season, as Tottenham’s left-hand side undergoes its biggest change in the last decade.
Davies delivers heartfelt message to Son Heung-min at Tottenham
Tottenham’s squad has been thrust into a leadership vaccum which leaves Davies as by far their oldest player, after Son Heung-min’s switch to LAFC was confirmed following 10 season in North London.
The MLS side have paid a record-breaking £20million fee to sign the Tottenham captain, who leaves the Lilywhites after 454 appearances in all competitions and 173 goals; 127 coming in the Premier League.
Only Davies has been a fixture in Tottenham’s first-team squad for longer than Son after their respective arrivals in 2014 and 2015, and the Welshman posted on Instagram after his captain’s exit was confirmed.
Van de Ven left a white love heart emoji below Davies‘ lengthy post (6 August), which said: “We’ve spent nearly every day together over the last ten years.
“It’s been a privilege to share so many moments on the pitch, and just as many off it. Birthdays, my wedding, celebrating you joining the 100 club, even the simple things like taking the kids to the swings, introducing you to The Inbetweeners, and brunches on days off.
“You have truly become part of our family. It’s hard to imagine not seeing you every day, as we always have. We’ll miss you terribly, but I know we’ll see each other soon.
Good luck in this next chapter, skipper. We know you’ll smash it.”
Tottenham to appoint Davies as Son’s successor?
Football Insider Verdict
Thomas Frank didn’t stand in his captain’s way when Son announced his intentions to leave Tottenham after their pre-season friendly against Newcastle on 3 August, and he now faces a difficult decision.
Tottenham’s two vice-captains James Maddison and Cristian Romero would be the first candidates to take the role full-time, albeit both their futures have been subject to transfer speculation this summer.
Davies is now Tottenham‘s longest-serving and most experienced player by some distance, and though he’ll be far from a guaranteed starter next season, a ‘club captain’ role would certainly help to ease the transition after Son’s departure.