Without Curties Davies and Sam Clucas, Hull City may well have endured a much tougher start to their Premier League return in the opening seven games.

Davies leads by example

Both players are currently enjoying a well-deserved break whilst the international fixtures commence, although a case could have been made for them earning call-ups this weekend after their impressive starts to the season.

Davies is a seasoned professional with years of Premier League experience behind him and has lead by example as stand-in captain for the injured Michael Dawson. Hull were left at their bare bones back in August following an injury crisis that saw midfielder Jake Livermore adapt to an unfamiliar central defensive role alongside Davies.

Yet the captain has topped the club's statistics in almost all areas of defence. On form alone he should be playing for England this weekend as the top defender in the Premier League just ahead of John Stones.

Davies had made 17 blocks, many of which in and around the penalty area, 33 headed clearances and a remarkable 55 clearances, topping Hull's charts in all of these areas. In addition he has made 12 tackles and covered 65.95km, chipping into the top five of both of those areas.

Clucas' adaptation has been the key to his success

If Davies was always going to be a first-team regular, youngster Sam Clucas certainly was not. Previously a winger, Clucas has adapted like many of his colleagues, settling into a defensive midfield role. He has covered more of the pitch and made a greater number of tackles than any of his teammates as he continues to protect a makeshift defence. 

Clucas also features highly on the club's clearances and blocks list. Add to that his willingness to compete that sees him top the most duels won, along with the third most interceptions. Clucas also possesses an excellent level of fitness that has allowed him to make the second highest number of recoveries in the team.

Tigers' fans will be hoping that this duo on contrasting ends of the experience spectrum can continue to have such a positive effect on their club.