Tottenham new boy Davinson Sanchez one of the world's best central defenders — and will improve, beams boss Mauricio Pochettino - The Mirror

Spurs' ex-defender manager left drooling over the way his £42million Colombian has dealt with some top strikers

Mauricio Pochettino believes Davinson Sanchez is already one of the world’s best centre-backs — but has predicted he'll get even better.

Tottenham boss and former defender Pochettino ­reckons Sanchez’s “brave” approach to handling the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick ­Aubameyang and Real ­Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Champions League, has underlined his huge potential.

The imposing and rapid ­Colombian has quickly ­become a key member of Pochettino’s side, slotting in seamlessly since his club-record £42million summer switch from Dutch giants Ajax.

Pochettino described Sanchez as a risk-taker and aggressive marker.

But, despite that, being just 21 and new to English football, he has, impressively, yet to be booked in 14 appearances for Spurs, plus three more for his country.

The manager said: “He is very ­important for the team because you saw again against Dortmund [in Spurs' midweek win], how many times he was with ­Aubameyang one on one. How many central defenders can play one v one, and escape and go, be tight and press?

“And how many can say, ‘If you run, I can run too, because I am so ­confident when running’? Not many in the world can do this.

“Or against Swansea, against Tammy Abraham. How many times was he one v one, and the ball was behind him? He was on the halfway line and running back was not a problem. It was the same against Ronaldo.

“At 21 years old, he showed he is so brave. He takes risks, but is not reckless. I am so happy with him.

“He’s so aggressive when he’s marking, and always with good ­concentration. And then, with the ball, he’s good.

“But I think he can ­improve. There is massive scope to improve. But in only a few months, he’s doing ­a ­fantastic job for us.

“He’s so clever, and very humble, and he’s very open to learn. When you tell him something, his reaction is to be open, and critical with ­himself. That is a massive skill.

“The conditions he has are perfect for him to be one of the best centre-halves in the world. He’s one of the best today, but has potential to ­improve a lot more.”

Sanchez’s impact is all the more impressive following his late arrival and lack of pre-season.

Pochettino, whose side host managerless West Brom at Wembley on Saturday, added: “We need with him one month and a half, or two months, pre-season every day, and then I’m sure he’s going to show a different level.”