Ben Davies has claimed that competing with Danny Rose for chances in his first season with Tottenham Hotspur has made him a better player.
Spurs spent £10m to sign the Wales international from Swansea City last summer, but he has often been second-choice behind Rose, whose fine form secured his place as first-choice left-back under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, Davies believes that battling his teammate for a spot in the side has had a positive impact and he is keen to continue improving ahead of his second campaign in North London.
"In terms of the playing side, Danny and I have pushed each other on over the last year and we've worked hard together to improve each other as players," the 22-year-old told the club's website.
"There is always a battle in that situation where you have two players vying for the same position, but there would be no point being here if we're not going to fight for it.
"That pushes you on, ups your game and I think it's done that for both of us."
Davies is back at the Spurs training ground early to ensure that he fully recovers from the shoulder injury which ended his season.
Callum Mulvihill
