Why Danny Rose Was Tottenham Hotspur's Standout Performer in March

Harry Kane was Tottenham's undoubted star in March, but so much has already been written about him that it seemed like a good time to focus on one of Spurs' less appreciated standouts.

One man who was also excellent in March but largely overlooked due to Spurs' young striker was Danny Rose. He was hugely maligned last season. Among Tottenham's most criticised players, Rose struggled at both ends of the pitch.

Defensively, his timing was off and he seemed to struggle with the pace of the game. Too often, he was beaten one-on-one and left his central defenders exposed routinely.

He played only 22 Premier League games as Jan Vertonghen and others were required to step in.

He had never been the most effective attacking full-back, but his output of two goals and two assists was simply inadequate for a modern full-back playing more than 30 matches.

Fitness issues seemingly contributed to Rose's difficulties, but he was so poor that it was easy to believe he'd never play again for Tottenham. The signing of Ben Davies from Swansea in the summer was seen as a move to replace the faltering Rose.

Since the arrival of manager Mauricio Pochettino, though, Rose has been a new man.

While he and Davies shared the starting role in the opening months of the season, Rose has conclusively won the battle in 2015.

In March, Tottenham played five matches, winning three and losing two. They conceded 11 goals in those matches, so it may seem a little strange to name a defender among their best players. However, Rose stood out among some less than stellar colleagues.

He was named man of the match in Spurs' win over Swansea, assisting on Nacer Chadli's early opener.

At his best, a major part of Rose's game is his tackling ability. His timing has returned and his trademark thunderous tackles have come with it.

He does have a problem with occasionally lunging in unnecessarily, but Rose is also growing as a thinking defender.

"

6 - Danny Rose has shielded the ball out of play more often than any other player in the Premier League. Shepherds.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 25, 2014"

Rose is no longer the liability he was last season and was Spurs' best defender in the recent 4-3 draw with Leicester. That match was an exhibition of terrible defending on both sides, but Rose was the best of a poor group.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Pochettino's coaching, a return to form and the pressure of Davies' presence have likely all contributed to Rose's career-salvaging renaissance this season. The general stability of the squad is also significant.

While his defending has returned to its aggressive former peak, his contribution in attack has reached new heights.

"

Mins per #THFC goal or assist so far (PL only): 1. Kane, 81.2 mins 2. Chadli, 138.6 3. Townsend, 164.3 4. Eriksen, 225.0 5. Rose, 275.1

— Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) March 23, 2015"

He has been among Spurs' most important attacking players in the Premier League, contributing a goal or assist roughly every three games.

Rose has been so good this season that he has been selected in multiple England squads and his club manager argues that he could soon be his country's first-choice left-back.

Pochettino called upon Roy Hodgson to select Rose in his squad for England's recent fixtures, telling PA Sport (h/t ESPN FC), "So far he has been the best left-back this season. His performances have been great. But they are not my decisions, it's always Roy Hodgson's decision."

Hodgson duly selected Rose, but any chances of him making his long-awaited England debut were scuppered by injuries that forced him to withdraw from the squad.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Rose has been at Spurs so long that it is easy to forget just how young he is. He remains just 24. A late convert originally signed from Leeds United as a winger, Rose is still learning his trade. His athleticism and fearlessness give him the necessary tools to become an excellent full-back.

If he can continue to develop as he has this season, there is no reason for him not to become a regular starter for England. He was certainly among Spurs' best in March.