Danny Rose credits Pochettino for his improved form

Danny Rose didn't have the best of times last season, but he's playing very well at left back for Spurs thus far, and he's giving the credit to manager Mauricio Pochettino.

"Mauricio Pochettino has been brilliant for me," Rose said in an interview in the London Evening Standard. "I have nothing but nice things to say about him."

It's fair to say that Rose didn't play well last year. He had a very good loan at Sunderland in 2012, but struggled mightily as a starter with Spurs last season under Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood. His inconsistent performances and substandard play earned him the ire of many Spurs fans and led to the signing of Ben Davies from Swansea this summer.

However, Rose has clearly risen to the challenge this year, claiming the starting left-back position and holding on with both hands. He credits Pochettino's intense practices and belief in his ability as motivating factors in his improvement:

I met the manager before pre-season and he said if I trusted him he would make me a far better player and get me into the England squad.

But I've had to work hard to get there. I remember an interview he did when he first took over saying players have to suffer in training to enjoy games. Seriously, he wasn't joking either. We do have to work hard in training and I do suffer but it's an enjoyable kind of suffering because I'm benefitting so much. I'm far more tactically aware and more consistent...

I like to think people can see how committed I am and how determined I am to be a success. It has not been easy. There were doubts and going into this season I did wonder whether I would be playing.

But I'm not complacent and I'm always striving to improve. I can't take anything for granted, I know I'm only one bad game from losing my place with strong competition here.

There are lots more great quotes from Rose in the interview, which you should read in its entirety.

I've been a pretty harsh critic of Danny Rose in the past, but he has proven me wrong this season with a string of very good performances lately. I'm very happy to be wrong about him, and long may his good form continue.