Spurs fans on Twitter have been reacting to a post from the club, showing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld together in training at Hotspur Way.
The North London club shared a photo of ‘The Belgian boys’ in training at Hotspur Way, which has subsequently attracted the attention of plenty of Lilywhites supporters. Lots of fans seemed keen to comment on Vertonghen’s contract situation with the Lilywhites, with his current deal set to expire later this month.
Alderweireld, meanwhile, was rewarded with a new contract earlier in the season by Jose Mourinho and has been a regular in the Portuguese manager’s side ever since; having made 27 appearances in the top-flight so far this season, averaging a solid 6.79 rating (per Whoscored).
Despite Vertonghen looking likely to depart this summer, he has still been used fairly regularly by Mourinho so far this season; having made 19 appearances in the Premier League. The 33-year-old also has a higher average rating than his Belgian compatriot; having averaged a 6.85 rating for his performances.
Who was the better defender in their prime?
Jan Vertonghen
Toby Alderweireld
Reaction from Spurs fans to the club’s image of Vertonghen and Alderweireld can be seen in the tweets below.
I want to know if jan is going or staying yet so I can be happy seeing his face
— Jace (@JaceTucker1) May 31, 2020
I hope @JanVertonghen is still with us next season
— Mo (@Hotspur67) June 1, 2020
Some Spurs fans took the opportunity to slam the duo, suggesting that they have both declined and may well be past their best.
Declining and Declined
Love them both but unfortunately age has caught up with them— Spurz (@SpursTransfer10) May 31, 2020
They have a combined age of 63 g
— Yousef (@ftblYousef) May 31, 2020
Others suggested that perhaps it is time for Vertonghen to leave the club.
Sad that ones leaving us
— ?? (@J0RDANFT) May 31, 2020
Time to go Jan
— realtastypickles (@TheTastyPickles) June 1, 2020
Overall, it seems as if a lot of Spurs fans have accepted that Vertonghen is likely to leave the club this summer. Although it is no doubt sad for a lot of fans, the Belgian international has spent nearly eight years with the North London club, having signed from Ajax in 2012, and has gone on to make 311 first-team appearances, so we are sure that he will be fondly remembered by the majority of Lilywhites supporters.