Friday 25 August 2017 23:52, UK
Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham's club-record signing Davinson Sanchez will adapt to life in the Premier League and become one of the world's best centre backs.
The 21-year-old Colombian completed his switch from Ajax on Wednesday for a club-record fee that could reach £38m. He could make his Tottenham debut against Burnley at Wembley this weekend if he gets his work permit in time.
Sanchez spent just a year with Ajax after moving from Atletico Nacional in his native country, but Pochettino thinks his new defender is capable of dealing with the changes in his young career.
Pochettino also came to Europe from Latin America at a young age and says he sees much of himself in the international: "He played regularly at Ajax. Played the Europa League final against Manchester United. I think he's young but with amazing history and background.
"I like his personality and how he is aggressive, he is fast, he will fit for us very well. Davinson is with us because a lot of clubs were interested in him but he decided to join us.
"It's a massive opportunity because we believe he will be one of the best centre-backs in the world in the future. That is why we made the effort to try to sign him."
Pochettino moved to Espanyol from Newell's Old Boys in Argentina at 22 and admits there were challenges for him. But the Spurs boss will use his experiences to help his new signing settle in.
"First of all it the challenge is to adapt yourself. I moved with my wife, we were not scared, but you are waiting because you don't know," said Pochettino.
"From America, you come to Europe, you don't know what you will find here. But him, he's unbelievable: he speaks very good English, and from day one when he arrived I think he is like all the players here.
"Yes, he is very welcome with the team-mates and he is one of us."
