Dejan Kulusevski's superb seven-word Cristian Romero verdict highlights Tottenham masterstroke

The outstanding form of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski over the past six weeks has played a major role in Tottenham's rise up the Premier League table. Now sitting in fourth following their 5-1 triumph over Newcastle United, Antonio Conte's men are in a very good position to attack their final eight games as they look to achieve a Champions League finish.

As crucial as Spurs' attacking trio are going to be in their quest to pip rivals Arsenal to the coveted prize, Tottenham also have another three players at the other end of the pitch who are equally important to Conte's plans. Very shaky at the back prior to the Italian's arrival in the capital at the start of November, Tottenham have sorted out their defensive issues and settled on a preferred back three.

A player who has come in for criticism in the past and one who maybe has been underappreciated by many, Eric Dier's importance to the backline has been clear to see since his return from injury midway through February. Cristian Romero has also been a colossus since recovering from the hamstring issue that sidelined him for three months and is now demonstrating exactly why he was voted Serie A Defender of the Year in 2020/21.

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Finally, Ben Davies has hit another level since switching from left-back to left-sided centre-back on a permanent basis. Performing incredibly well in the position for Wales down the years, the 28-year-old is now getting the recognition he fully deserves at club level after excelling in the back three.

Davies capped off another good defensive display with Tottenham's first goal of the afternoon, a superb glancing header to find the