Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has spoken of his relationship with teammate Jan Vertonghen, suggesting that the two have a good connection.
The duo are international colleagues for Belgium, and also played together during a shared stint at Ajax, which the experienced star believes brings a huge advantage to both the players and the rest of the defence.
Speaking in a video on the club’s official Twitter, he said: “For me it helps a lot to play with Jan. Of course I know him from my time at Ajax and Belgium.
“I think we’ve maybe played more games with each other than without each other. He’s a good friend as well and I think everyone knows we have a good connection.
“Of course it helps me a lot to have him at my left at Spurs.”
? Best @premierleague memory
?? Playing with @JanVertonghen
?? Spurs in one word?? Boot room chat with @AlderweireldTob.#COYS pic.twitter.com/hJaNaB03Wo
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 18, 2019
OPINION
Hearing Alderweireld talk about Vertonghen must be bittersweet for Spurs fans. On the one hand, the two clearly have a great relationship and have formed a formidable partnership during their time at Tottenham. On the other, Alderweireld looks as if he could be on his way out of the club when his £25 million release clause comes into effect in the summer. If he does go, then there will be a real sense of loss, not just for the player, but for one of the best centre-half partnerships the club has ever seen. The chances of the Belgian staying may be slim, but there is no doubt that he will give his all for th reminder of his time at the club, and that could be vital with outside shots of a title challenge and an unlikely tilt at the Champions League still very much in the offing. If Tottenham are to have any success in either, they will need their solid defensive spine.