da wazamba： Tottenham could still be some distance away from officially completing the £11.5m signing of Toby Alderweireld, with legal skirmishes between Atletico Madrid and rightfully aggrieved temporary employers Southampton currently ongoing.
da betway： But whether it requires presenting their case to the European Court of Justice, UEFA, FIFA or Judge Judy, Spurs should throw everything they’ve got at ensuring the Belgium international moves to White Hart Lane this summer – because his arrival could propel the north London club to the higher level they desperately crave.
Alderweireld has always been a highly competent if unglamorous defender; tactically adept, technically indisputable and famed for his versatility in classic Ajax academy product style.
He struggled to make a mark during what was an incredibly unique season at Atletico Madrid in 2013/14, finding himself on the fringes of a team that shocked the world and themselves by claiming the La Liga title, but the 26 year-old more than proved his quality in the Eredivise and his compatibility with the Premier League on loan at Southampton last term.
That immediately makes Alderweireld a strong addition to Tottenham’s squad; Premier League-proven players comfortable in more than one position are always valuable assets to have, especially those with experience in other top flights and the Champions League.
But most important for the Lilywhites is the 6ft. 2″ defender’s prior relationship with star centre-back Jan Vertonghen, a former defensive partner he lifted three consecutive Dutch titles with at Ajax and has represented Belgium alongside regularly since 2009.
Familiarity is the greatest gift any defence can ask for – just ask Arsenal’s iconic Dixon-Adams-Keown-Winterburn backline or Chelsea centre-back duo John Terry and Gary Cahill. They’re not the quickest, the strongest or in many cases the most talented, but the ability to work as a unit by anticipating team-mates, funnelling opposition towards their strengths and away from their weaknesses can overcome any individual deficiencies.
Unfortunately for Vertonghen, however, his Spurs career has been riddled by managerial sackings and consequentially, turbulent selections. Whilst his role in the starting XI has rarely been questioned, every manager to date has held alternative views on who should partner the Belgium international. Under Andre Villas Boas, it was predominantly Michael Dawson; under Tim Sherwood, it was Younes Kaboul; and since the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, Vertonghen has passed through Kaboul, Federico Fazio and Eric Dier.
Resultantly, the Lilywhites have continually suffered defensively, finishing up with the worst goals conceded record in the Premier League’s top seven for three consecutive seasons. Of course, this can’t be attributed to simply the issue of who accompanies Vertonghen at the heart of defence, but it encapsulates how Tottenham have lacked consistency and familiarity at the back, as none of the four aforementioned names have proven themselves particularly worthy in quality or suitable in style to partner the 28-year-old.
Vertonghen’s form, too, has been impacted. On his day, he’s still one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League. But those days have reduced in frequency and the defender has never truly rekindled the marauding, front-footed displays of his debut campaign, which earned a place in the 2012/13 PFA Team of the Year. Amongst other influences, one can only assume a lack of confidence in those surrounding him has been a subliminal factor in Vertonghen’s reluctance to venture forward with the freedom of old.
Alderweireld, however, is a player Vertonghen knows he can trust. The two are as familiar off the pitch as on it, and that relationship could prove vital to securing the latter’s future at White Hart Lane. Although the transfer vultures aren’t exactly circling at the moment, Vertonghen’s decision to turn down a contract extension last September will have undoubtedly pricked the ears of his many long-term admirers. Alderweireld’s sheer presence might just be enough to convince him to sign a new deal.
Is that enough to suggest Alderweireld can propel Spurs into the top four? Singlehandedly, no. Tottenham’s midfield still requires an injection of established, star quality and their strike force desperately lacks depth after Harry Kane. But if you’re a firm believer that every great side is built from an impeccable defence, Alderweireld’s arrival could be a real turning point for the Champions League hopefuls.
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