Paul Merson has been drooling over Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld, claiming that the Belgium international is one of the best defenders in world football.
Alderweireld, 29, could leave Spurs next summer with his contract currently set to expire at the end of the season, however that has not hindered his form with 10 impressive performances by the ex-Ajax ace across all competitions this term.
Arsenal legend Merson has heaped praise on the 6ft 1 (transfermarkt) defender as well, adding that he is a better all-round defender than Manchester City’s John Stones.
“I think Alderweireld is one of the best defenders in the world. I never see him get the run-around and he always looks solid. Stones has still got a ricket in him. He does not need to do some of things he does – he could have eight solid games on the trot but before long he will give you a chance. Alderweireld is the complete defender, plus, he has more experience which is key for a centre-back,” Merson said on the Sky Sports website.
OPINION
Merson is absolutely spot on here, even if he is an Arsenal man through and through. Alderweireld is one of the leading centre-backs in the world and he would walk into every club’s starting line-up across Europe. At the moment, it does look as though the defender will be leaving Tottenham next summer as Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy will more than likely trigger a one-year extension in his deal which also activates a £25million release clause. Alderweireld is worth at least triple that fee and if that release clause wasn’t there, Levy would be wanting well over £100million for him. Unless the Belgian changes his mind though, someone is going to get themselves a bargain when he does leave North London. Who will Pochettino replace him with? It’s going to be an extremely difficult task but Davinson Sanchez has shown signs that he can be the man to play in Spurs’ defence for years to come.