Calum Chambers made a quick recovery from his stress fracture to start against Tottenham in Saturday’s evening kick-off, and emphasised his importance to Middlesbrough with an excellent defensive display.

Harry Kane’s second-half penalty proved enough to separate the two sides during a tense affair. It was a challenge Chambers clearly relished.

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Deployed at right-back as opposed to his usual position in the centre of defence, he provided a viable attacking threat and picked his moments crucially to drive forward.

With 83 touches and the most completed passes of any Boro player in the 90 minutes he was comfortable in possession and unfazed by the occasion.

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Calum Chambers (L) vies with Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli during the English Premier League football match between the two sides at White Hart Lane in London, on February 4, 2017. (Picture source: Olly Greenwood / AFP / Getty Images)

Chambers made a number of important interventions in the defensive third as Spurs looked dangerous for large periods.

His defensive discipline continues to improve. He was regularly able to stay on his feet during one-on-one duels with Son, forcing him into wayward efforts on goal and to rush important decisions in the final third.

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Calum Chambers (L) vies with Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker Son Heung-Min during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough at White Hart Lane in London, on February 4, 2017. (Picture source: Olly Greenwood / AFP / Getty Images)

This was further highlighted by Bernardo’s rash challenge on winger during a mazy run in the area. Kane calmly dispatched the resulting spot-kick and Boro found themselves with a deficit to overturn.

Chambers’ individual match statistics:

  • Two key passes
  • Four aerial duels won
  • Seven tackles, one interception
  • 12 clearances, one foul

Despite the defeat, Chambers did his reputation no harm.

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Stats’ source: WhoScored