OPINION
The initial response to the Tottenham side selected to face Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium this afternoon (Saturday) was broadly positive. Fans are delighted Dele Alli is back after two months out with injury, and also pleased to see Eric Dier making his first league start in three months, as well as a rare start for full-back Kyle Walker-Peters. One Mauricio Pochettino decision that has not gone well with the faithful is the omission from the squad entirely of Toby Alderweireld. The Belgium international has been a mainstay of the team this season and consistently the best defender after coming close to leaving last summer. No player had started more than the 26 Premier League matches this season of Alderweireld, although Hugo Lloris will now overtake that mark today. This probably explains why the experienced centre-back has been left out at St Mary’s, although there is no word yet on whether he is rested, axed, or injured. Supporters, it’s fair to say, aren’t too happy with the decision.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
https://twitter.com/KyleVinyard7/status/1104382867600224258
Why no Toby???
— rosey 316 (@rosy316) March 9, 2019
Hopefully Toby is just rested rather than carrying an injury.
Up the Spurs #COYS
— Andy (@Andy_1882_) March 9, 2019
Dele back Son on bench Lucas starts
Where is Toby? #coys— Andy TTID (@Bytor14) March 9, 2019
Sort of a weird all around lineup. No Toby or RBs on the bench. Stoked to see Dele & Dier back
— Matt (@StillNotGoinPro) March 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/Danniee_xxx/status/1104382649509072902
https://twitter.com/Jonespaul32Paul/status/1104383545374580737
https://twitter.com/Antsanchito1/status/1104383700710522882
https://twitter.com/gloryglorythfc1/status/1104383104876191746
Don’t mind that side but Toby best be injured.
— Jurteez_Paxton_94 (@THFC_COYS94) March 9, 2019
Please tell me @AlderweireldTob is just getting a very well earned rest and isn’t injured? Please tell me it’s that? #COYS
— Paul Dyer (@mabbutt) March 9, 2019