Spurs fans on Twitter have been discussing centre-back Toby Alderweireld and his time with the North London club.
A Spursy Podcast prompted a discussion on the former Southampton loanee by asking fans for their thoughts on his time with the Lilywhites. Spurs signed the Belgian international from Atletico Madrid in 2015 and he has gone on to make 195 appearances for the North London club, contributing seven goals and five assists (per Transfermarkt).
It was reported that the Lilywhites tried to sell him last summer as Mauricio Pochettino attempted to rebuild his squad, however, the arrival of Jose Mourinho perhaps led to the centre-back signing a new contract in December of last year.
Was Alderweireld ever world class?
Yes
No
A sample of tweets from Spurs fans discussing Alderweireld can be seen below.
For me when he arrived the guy ozzed class his positional play was quality and with Jan and bambi next to him that defence looked solid..as time has gone on he still has that class but he’s on the downward slope interns of age and speed but still a quality defender
— Elliot (@thfccheeseroom) May 16, 2020
He transformed our defence when he arrived def was world class.
I thought Jan was a bit moody/sulky/poser before Toby arrived then picked his game up.
Looks like the legs have gone but in fairness he has absolute dross around him now.
— Felon82 (@Felon82) May 16, 2020
Best we’ve had at CB since Ledley but when your legs go they go and his have
— James-C (@jmconnor6) May 16, 2020
Yes he was world class 2 years ago. His Partnership with Jan brought out the best in them both. I think his best football now will be played in a back 3 or at least with a fast CB next to him.
— Rory (@Rory4Spurs) May 16, 2020
Was a great player, always was better than Vertonghen, and they’re both completely past it.
— AO (@Adam_Oliver1) May 16, 2020
Yes Yes & he went from walker and Rose to Aurier & davies in the end ,Toby is covering all since Jan depends on him too and Sanchez when he starts aswell Toby is the best defender we’ve had since King
— Kenneth#COYS (@starcoughlan) May 16, 2020
The majority of these Spurs fans clearly hold Alderweireld, who is valued at £21.6 million (as per Transfermarkt), in high regard, although some perhaps feel he is no longer at his best.
What do we think?
Alderweireld and Vertonghen’s partnership has perhaps shown its limitations so far this season, with Spurs having kept just four clean sheets in the Premier League, so it will be interesting to see how the Belgian adapts his game should Vertonghen depart this summer if he allows his contract to expire.