Dawson's been a Spurs player since we were a mid-table team and has kept his place or challenged for a place as we've become top 5 side. No average or limited player would keep his place in this squad when you consider the amount of additions we've had to help improve it. Dawson has always been there or thereabouts challenging/ playing at CB and has been one of the biggest reasons towards our steady rise in the Premier League. I've stated countless of times that a fit Vertonghen and Kaboul are far better (in my opinion) but that doesn't mean I wouldn't Dawson a part of this squad, he's still a great player. His off the field attributes are also just as important as his on field ones and that alone makes him a very valuable. With City aside, he's been part of a generally very solid defence, again, no limited ability player could be in such a thing. Saying he's been responsible for as many goals against us as Gomes, yeah you might be right, but Gomes had what, two and half seasons with us? Dawson's had about nine.
AVB on the other hand has managed to turn an exciting attacking outlet who'd finished 4th prior to his appointment into a team that plays arguably the dullest football in the league, can't score for love nor money and look to have no chance of getting a top 6 or 7 finish at this rate, let alone "taking us to the next level" which we were led to believe. You talk in other comments about giving him time but how much time can you afford to give him? Finish below 4th this season and you can kiss goodbye to one or two key players which will only result in us taking more steps back.