OPINION
While most teams have one or two firm favourites among the fanbase in their squad, the Tottenham side is full of heroes idolised by the north London faithful.
With the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen and Harry Winks just four of the first team regulars considered legends-in-the-making under Mauricio Pochettino, the thought of losing any of them would not only be bad news on the pitch but cause floods of tears off it.
It is why the Telegraph’s report suggesting that Belgian powerhouse Vertonghen – or Super Jan Vertonghen, if you are to call him by the fans’ nickname – could be on his way will strike fear into the hearts of the Lilywhite support.
It is stated that a bid from elsewhere could have the defender considering his future at the club and finding someone to fill that massive void is no easy task – after all, where do you find a confident ball playing defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, can maraud forward, spray passes like a midfielder and hit rocket shots at the other of the pitch.
Well, if you were to head to the north east and ask that question, Newcastle United fans would point you in the direction of Swiss star Fabian Schar.
The 27-year-old, who has 47-caps for his country, has been an outstanding performer for Rafael Benitez this season and has shown exceptional qualities at both ends of the pitch, hitting a goal of the month winner against Burnley.
With terrific vision and mobility – two things not often heard of in centre backs – Schar is very much a defender cut from the same cloth as Vertonghen and if the Belgium star is leaving, then Tottenham can hit the jackpot with a move for the Newcastle man.
Vertonghen has huge boots to fill but the Swiss star has shown he could well have what it takes in his debut Premier League season.