Davinson Sanchez‘s £38 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2017 wasn’t just another big-money transfer—it was the culmination of an extraordinary transformation story that began in the academy fields of Colombia. At Baji live, we delve deep into the journey of how an undisciplined, angry midfielder evolved into one of the Premier League’s most promising centre-backs, showcasing the mental and tactical evolution that defines modern football excellence.
The Early Struggles: A Talent in Turmoil
When Sanchez joined Atletico Nacional’s U17s in 2012, he was far from the composed defender we see today. Felipe Merino, his youth coach, recalls a frustrated teenager reeling from rejection by Colombia’s U17 national team. “He was psychologically struggling,” Merino shared in an exclusive interview with Baji live. “His anger over the national team snub made him selfish on the pitch—he put himself above the group, struggled to integrate, and displayed unruly behavior.”
Sanchez’s initial role as a central midfielder highlighted his aggression but exposed his indiscipline. He prioritized reckless tackles over constructive play, leading Merino to intervene personally. “I told him we saw potential in him like David Ospina or Camilo Zuñiga, but he needed to change,” Merino explained. This mentorship marked the first step in Sanchez’s transformation.
Positional Transformation: Midfielder to Defender
Merino and the coaching staff proposed a radical solution: convert Sanchez into a central defender. “His aggression was excessive in midfield, but we saw how it could be channeled effectively in defense,” said Merino. Sanchez embraced the challenge, dedicating himself to learning defensive positioning, spatial awareness, and controlled aggression.
Sanchez breaking into Atletico Nacional’s first-team in 2016, showcasing his rapid development
This period was crucial. Sanchez absorbed tactical lessons through video sessions and one-on-one coaching, demonstrating a humility that impressed his mentors. His hard work paid off when he returned to the Colombian national team—this time as a centre-back—and later captained the U20s in the 2015 World Cup.
Breaking Through at Nacional and Ajax
Sanchez‘s patience was tested as he waited for first-team opportunities at Nacional. Under manager Reinaldo Rueda in 2016, he finally partnered with club captain Alexis Henriquez, forming a defensive duo that led Nacional to Copa Libertadores glory. Sanchez played every minute from the last 16 to the final, showcasing his maturity under pressure.
European clubs took notice. Barcelona expressed interest but offered only a spot in their B team. Sanchez, unwilling to wait again, chose Ajax for a €5 million fee. His adaptability shone in Amsterdam; he debuted just a week after arriving without a preseason and started 32 Eredivisie games in his first season.
Sanchez during his Ajax tenure, where he developed into a ball-playing defender under Peter Bosz
Ajax manager Peter Bosz praised his immediate impact: “He played the whole season, never injured, and adapted to our possession-based style instantly.” Teammate Matthijs de Ligt highlighted Sanchez’s defensive ruthlessness: “He taught me that sometimes you just need to clear the ball—no unnecessary risks.”
The Tottenham Evolution
Tottenham’s record signing wasn’t just about athleticism; it was about tactical intelligence. Mauricio Pochettino admired Sanchez’s ability to thrive in Ajax’s high-pressing system, which mirrored Spurs’ approach. “His personality and quality caught our attention,” Pochettino noted.
At Tottenham, Sanchez slotted seamlessly into a back three alongside Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. His speed allowed Spurs to maintain a high defensive line, while his aggression provided balance to Vertonghen’s ball-playing elegance. Pochettino boldly claimed Sanchez could become “one of the world’s best centre-backs.”
Sanchez’s Premier League debut for Tottenham, demonstrating his adaptability to English football
The Mental Fortitude: Beyond the Pitch
Sanchez’s growth isn’t just technical—it’s psychological. Merino recalls a touching moment when Sanchez, then with Colombia’s U23s, thanked him during a trip to Dallas: “He said thank you for helping him when his future was uncertain. Not many players would do that.”
This emotional intelligence translates to his leadership on the pitch. Former coaches describe him as “mature, emotionally stable, and a leader under pressure”—traits that define his performances in high-stakes matches.
Davinson Sanchez: From Reckless Midfielder to Tottenham’s Defensive Pillar
Davinson Sanchez’s journey from a troubled teenager to Tottenham’s defensive stalwart is a testament to mentorship, adaptability, and mental resilience. His story underscores that talent alone isn’t enough—it’s the willingness to evolve that separates good players from great ones. At Baji live, we believe Sanchez’s best years are still ahead, and his journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring footballers worldwide.
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