Vertonghen is one of Tottenham’s modern-day legends, having made 314 appearances for Spurs over his eight seasons in North London following his switch from Ajax back in 2012.

The Belgian international parted ways with the Lilywhites when his contract ran out in the summer of 2020 and completed a free transfer to Benfica. 

The 36-year-old spent two years with the Portuguese giants before returning to his native Belgian by signing for Anderlecht, where he currently serves as club captain.

Eric Dier (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Eric Dier wanted Vertonghen to join Sporting Lisbon

Vertonghen has now revealed that when he asked Dier about Benfica, his former Spurs teammate tried to convince him to go to their local rivals, Sporting instead.

He told Maisfutebol: “I remember I was on the boat in Amsterdam and I received a call from my agent, he told me: ‘Benfica wants to speak to you’. I thought: ‘Okay, it’s a great club, with a great history’.

“I searched the internet, saw what position they had finished in the previous season, and did more in-depth research.

“Obviously, I knew some of the players. One of my great friends, Eric Dier, played for Sporting. I called him, and asked him what he thought of the Portuguese League, what the lifestyle was.

“He gave me a very positive answer. He wanted me to go to Sporting (laughs) and I told him that wasn’t going to happen.”

Dier came through the ranks at Sporting and if reports over recent weeks are to be believed, the centre-back might have a chance to return to the club soon.

The Times reported a couple of weeks ago that the Lisbon giants are considering making a January move to bring the 29-year-old back to the club.

Spurs Web Opinion

Dier’s deep connection with Sporting is well documented, which is why I believe that he would be tempted to return to the club if an opportunity to do so arose in January or next summer.

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On Wednesday, Klopp shocked many people by suggesting that a replay would be the fair outcome after the miscommunication between VAR and the on-field referee led to the Luiz Diaz offside call not being overruled (Guardian).

It has since been reported that despite Liverpool’s attempts to escalate the issue, the Premier League will not consider replaying the fixture (Football Insider).

When Tottenham were asked about Klopp’s statement, the North London club declined to comment (Sky Sports Football Daily).

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Jan Vertonghen is ready to fly to Madrid

Reacting to the Liverpool boss’ statement, some Spurs fans  have questioned if the Champions League final of 2019 should also be replayed, given the harsh handball decision against Moussa Sissoko at the start of the game.

Vertonghen has now jumped on social media to say that he is ready for a replay at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Count me in! https://t.co/Cr6nN3jEtf

— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) October 4, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

Expect Liverpool supporters, who are obviously going to be tribal and back their own, I have not seen a single fan or journalist defend Klopp’s statement. There seems to be a universal acknowledgement that what the German said was completely graceless and idiotic.

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Speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, Van de Ven was asked about Vertonghen and claimed that the Belgian was one of his inspirations growing up.

“I was always in the stadium with my Dad when Ajax were playing. We went to every game and Jan was always playing. He was a left-footed centre-back. I’m a left-footed centre-back.

“I always looked up to him and saw his qualities on the pitch. Afterwards, I watched some videos of him and that helped me a lot.”

Tottenham signed Vertonghen in the summer of 2012 from Ajax for £9.5 million and he went on to spend eight years at the North London side.

Vertonghen was a constant fixture in Tottenham’s backline for a number of years and formed a formidable partnership with Toby Alderweireld, which led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019.

After making a mark at Tottenham, the centre-back left the North London side for Benfica in 2020 and now, at the ripe age of 36, the defender is still plying his trade at Anderlecht.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Is Micky van de Ven Tottenham’s next Vertonghen?

Since Vertonghen’s departure, Spurs have arguably struggled to find an adequate replacement for him in the backline, considering the Lilywhites’ underwhelming defensive record under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

However, it looks like Van de Ven, signed from Wolfsburg this summer, could be the solution to Tottenham’s woes and the 22-year-old has started his stint at the North London club on the front foot.

Since his arrival this summer, Ange Postecoglou has managed to drastically turn things around at Tottenham, and part of that has been down to the superb partnership between Van de Ven and Romero.

Spurs Web Opinion

After years of watching the likes of Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Davinson Sanchez and Clement Lenglet struggle in Tottenham’s backline, Van de Ven’s arrival and subsequent chemistry with Romero is an encouraging sign for Spurs’ future.

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Spurs agreed a fee of £43m including add-ons for Van de Ven, which is quite considerable for a player who has only had one full season at the highest level.

WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – OCTOBER 29: Micky van de Ven of VfL Wolfsburg reacts during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and VfL Bochum 1848 at Volkswagen Arena on October 29, 2022 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

However, the centre-back looks like an inspired signing already, having delivered a flawless performance in his debut against Brentford.

Van de Ven has now admitted that the kind of attacking football Postecoglou wants to play was one of his main motivations for joining the Lilywhites.

When asked why he gave the green light to the move, the 22-year-old told Football.London: “Because it’s an amazing club. I had a good meeting with the trainer and it was a really good meeting, as what I said already in an interview.

“He’s a really good trainer, I love the club, I love the players and I think there is so much potential under this trainer so we will see where this season heads.

“He [Postecoglou] has a good view on football, that’s what I think. Attacking football is what I love, playing with a lot of space in the back doesn’t matter for me.

“Offensive football is what I like and I think if we play a lot of offensive football and we train, we train, we train then I think we can do some beautiful things.”

Van de Ven grew up watching Spurs and Vertonghen

Van de Ven admitted that he watched quite a bit of Spurs from a younger age, particularly since many of the Eredivisie’s biggest stars have made the switch to the Premier League side over the years.

He continued: “I watched Spurs a lot of times because a lot of players from Ajax also went to Spurs and also players from Holland.

“Always when you see a player go to Spurs it is an amazing step if you went from Ajax, AZ, PSV to Spurs. Of course with the history they didn’t win a prize for a long time but you never know what it is going to happen.”

Some Spurs fans are understandably already drawing parallels between Van de Ven and club legend Jan Vertonghen, given the Dutchman’s demeanour and his calmness in possession.

When asked about the comparisons to the Belgian, the former Wolfsburg star said: “To be honest, I was always in the stadium when Jan Vertonghen was playing for Ajax so I always saw him play and always said he was a good left-footed centre-back.

“Of course, I learned some from him as I watched videos of him, so of course I learned from him.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is noticeable that nearly every single one of Tottenham’s summer signings has spoken about their conversation with Ange being crucial in convincing them to make the move to the club.

The Australian’s excellent communications have evidently already come in handy for the club in the transfer market.

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Freidel spent four years at Spurs after signing for the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2011.

The former USA international was the North London club’s number one during his first season at the club before being displaced by Hugo Lloris less than halfway into his second season.

However, Friedel continued to serve as a backup goalkeeper until 2014 and on leaving, even became a club ambassador and worked on his coaching badges at Hotspur Way.

The 51-year-old, who has since gone on to manager MLS side New England Revolution, was asked to pick the best eleven from the teammates he had over his Premier League career.

Five Spurs players made into Friedel’s eleven, with the former goalkeeper naming Vertonghen at left-back.

He told FourFourTwo about the Belgian: “Jan hated playing left-back with a passion, but he was just too good to be left out!

“Excellent as a centre-back, his true position, and was a very good passer. He was just one of those players who could slide into any top club and not be out of place.”

Freidel also waxed lyrical about King, stating that the former Tottenham captain was the best player he played behind.

He said about King: “He hardly ever trained because of his knee – I never knew how a player could do that and just fit in seamlessly.

“I’ve never known a captain as quiet, but Ledley commanded everyone’s respect. Positionally, he was the best I played behind. Very rarely did I scan the field and tell him where anyone was.”

Finally, the former Blackburn and Aston Villa star named Mauricio Pochettino as the manager of his side, and said about the Argentine: “His attention to detail was second to none.

“He’s a compassionate man, but passionate about the game, too. Poch was very, very smart and he ran the club like no other I’ve been around.”

The full XI was as follows: 

David James;

Kyle Walker, Ledley King, Eddie Pope, Jan Vertonghen;

Paul Ince, Tugay;

Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Gheorghe Hagi;

Harry Kane

Bench: Uli Van Gobbel, Mousa Dembele, Michael Owen

Manager: Mauricio Pochettino

Spurs Web Opinion

I find it interesting that Freidel has left out Scott Parker, who was extremely solid in the two years he had at Spurs. Mousa Dembele is another curious omission (who only made the bench), particularly considering the 51-year-old has named his former Blackburn teammate Tugay Kerimoglu in midfield.

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Vertonghen left Tottenham on a free transfer back in 2020 after being at the club for eight long years (BBC Sport).

He eventually joined Benfica and has been a key player in their backline ever since, already making 89 appearances for them across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Belgian international is widely considered to be a modern-day Spurs legend, having earned that status after forming a formidable partnership with Toby Alderweireld in central defence during their time together in N17.

The Champions League draw took place this week and saw the north London side get pitted against Eintracht Frankfurt, Sporting CP, and Marseille in Group D, while Benfica have a challenging task against Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Maccabi Haifa in Group H.

Vertonghen expressed his desire to face off against Tottenham at some point, having played against all his former sides except the Lilywhites. The 35-year-old expects such an occasion to be a special one if he meets Spurs in the knockout rounds.

Speaking to Tottenham Hotspur’s media, Vertonghen said: “I just hope we can meet in the Champions League, that would be great, something special.

“I’ve played against all my former clubs, so it would be nice to play against Spurs. That would be something I’d look forward to.”

“It’s another exciting start to the season, a lot to play for, so, good times! I feel good. The age is not really catching up with me, okay, maybe a bit! I feel good, I’m lucky to be able to play at the highest level in Europe.

“I hope I can play another couple of years, that’s definitely how I’m feeling, and we’ll see how it goes this season.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

Antonio Conte’s team has an ‘easier’ group compared to Benfica, considering how Vertonghen would need to help his side overcome the daunting challenge posed by PSG and Juve.

As such, the chance of a reunion between the Belgian central defender and Spurs is unlikely at the moment, although it cannot be fully ruled out just yet, especially when Benfica have already proven their capability by beating Barcelona to qualify for the knockouts last year.

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Vertonghen made 315 appearances for Spurs across all competitions after arriving at White Hart Lane from Ajax in 2012 before eventually departing in the summer of 2020 as a free agent. 

The centre-back penned a three-year contract with Benfica at the time but he now finds himself out of favour at the Portuguese club, having not started any of the club’s first four games of the season.

Het Nieuwsblad claim that Vertonghen is considering his future in light of his struggles to get into Benfica’s starting eleven.

The report states that the former Spurs star wants regular game time under his belt leading up to the World Cup in November.

The player is said to have received interest from the Premier League as well as from top clubs in Belgium.

Het Nieuwsblad add that the 35-year-old ‘does not rule out’ a return to England before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.

Spurs Web Opinion

At his peak, Vertonghen was one of the best central defenders in the Premier League but at 35 years of age, the pace and intensity of the league might be too much for him. So, I believe it would be in his best interests to follow in Alderweireld’s footsteps and return to Belgium ahead of the World Cup.

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Vertonghen spent eight years manning the defence at Spurs, amassing more than 300 appearances for the club (Transfermarkt).

But his lengthy stint in North London was brought to an end in 2020 when he departed as a free agent before joining Benfica upon the expiry of his contract. 

And Dier, who grew up in Portugal and played for the Eagles’ rivals Sporting, has revealed he likes to tune into the league and watches Vertonghen in action whenever he can. 

The 28-year-old also admitted it was difficult to see the Belgian don the colours of another club, having been teammates at Spurs for six seasons. 

Dier said (A Bola): “I watch Sporting whenever I can and I also watch a lot of Portuguese league games. 

“I have friends playing in several teams, like Vertonghen, who was here and is now at Benfica. That’s why sometimes I watch his games, but it’s hard for me to see him in a Benfica shirt.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Vertonghen was a great asset for Spurs for such a long time and it is still a bit weird to see him playing in the colours of another team. 

He seemed like a very likeable character in the dressing room too, which could explain why Dier still misses his presence. 

But it is nice to see him still looking out for his old teammate whenever he has time by watching him in action. 

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Centre-backs Dier and Romero have been in and out of the Spurs lineup this season with both having to battle their own respective injury problems. 

The former returned to the side to face Manchester City on Saturday and had an instant impact en route to a stunning 3-2 win for Antonio Conte’s men at the Etihad Stadium. 

Argentina international Romero also produced a confident display throughout, aside from giving away an unfortunate penalty for a handball in the penalty area. 

Former Premier League striker Whelan says both Dier and Romero could prove to be complementary under Conte and believes they have the ability to emulate the iconic partnership of Belgian duo Vertonghen and Alderweireld. 

Whelan told Football Insider: “We’ve seen a mixed bag from Eric Dier since he’s been playing that centre-half role. There has been inconsistency in his performances.

“But again, when the new manager comes in, trust, those leadership skills, a little bit more onus is on him to be that player. I think he has risen to the challenge.

“That’s brilliant because we know there’s a great player there in him. We always felt centre-back was his best position over that defensive midfield role.

“He’s really showing Antonio Conte and the fans just how important he has been this season at the back. Dier and [Cristian] Romero are the two best centre-halves that Tottenham have.

“They’ve got to give them time because they’ve been in and out of the game. They have not really had that growth in that partnership. Hopefully, touch wood, the two of them can grow that relationship at the heart of their defence.

“I think they can be the next Vertonghen and Alderweireld. You need that consistency of two players playing together.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Vertonghen and Alderweireld was a partnership that present and future Tottenham defenders should aspire to form. Dier and Romero are both pretty good on the ball, but their styles of defending contrast which could make for a complementary pairing for Conte going forward. 

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This felt particularly pertinent to Tottenham fans on Sunday, watching as the team struggled to overcome League One Morecambe in the FA Cup third round. Some may have been casting their mind back a few years, reminiscing about better days.

This may sound overdramatic. But, despite the steady progress since Antonio Conte’s arrival, there have been signs in recent weeks of just how much work is needed with this Tottenham re-build.

Following the defeat to Chelsea, Conte himself said ‘I think in the last years the level of Tottenham has dropped.’

It was a different story when Conte first arrived in England ahead of the 2016/17 season. In fact, last week’s defeat was almost exactly five years to the day that Tottenham beat Conte’s Chelsea 2-0 in the Premier League – a result that was part of an unbeaten home record in the final season at White Hart Lane.

Although ultimately finishing second behind Chelsea that season, Tottenham were competing with the top teams, with an exciting brand of football.

It is clear those better days have ‘gone’. Off the pitch, the club has progressed in the past five years. On the pitch, there has been a gradual decline. To fully appreciate the scale of the re-build, it helps to compare the team from that night against now.

Goalkeeper

Verdict: The goalkeeper has remained the same, but Hugo Lloris is now 35 years old. Assuming he signs an extension to his current deal, Tottenham will need to find a long-term successor in the next year or two.

Defence

Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen formed the back three on the 4^th January 2017. The latter two were in their prime at 27 and 29 respectively. Dier was younger at 22 but coming off the back of a superb first two seasons. The defensive stats underlined their dominant performances with just 26 goals conceded that season.

Back to the present. If everyone is available, the preferred back three would be Christian Romero, Dier and Ben Davies. Romero is young and new to the league, but the early signs are promising.

Dier has had a good season so far, but time will tell whether he continues to improve and consistently produce high-level performances. Davies has also shown improvement and reliability, but he feels like a stopgap in that position.

Verdict: Although there are backups in the squad, Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon are both young and could benefit from loan moves. And in Davinson Sanchez it feels as though he will never quite reach his full potential. Therefore, Tottenham should be looking for a ready-made centre back, ideally left-footed, to replace Davies in the starting 11.

Wing Backs

In 2017, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were arguably the league’s best fullbacks. Integral to Tottenham’s attacking play, Walker registered 5 assists, joint top for defenders that season.

Tottenham were seemingly spoilt for choice with his understudy, Kieran Trippier, also contributing 5 assists. On the other wing, Rose was equally effective, providing 3 assists and 2 goals.

The decline in this department has been severe, especially when you compare Tottenham’s current wing-backs with those of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. In particular, Emerson Royal has 1 assist in 14 league games this season, with questionable distribution in the final third.

After the Watford game, Conte stated that ‘when the ball arrives there [in the wing-back position], we must be more effective.’ Reguilon isn’t exempt from this statement. However, his 3 assists and 1 goal signal a more effective attacking output.

Verdict: At 22, Royal needs time to adapt to his new environment. The alternative option, Matt Doherty, has not worked out, despite how effective he was in that position for Wolves. Therefore, Doherty should be moved on and a replacement brought in. Someone that can be used instead of, or at least rotated with, Royal.

There are clear signs that Reguilon has the ability to adapt to the wing-back role. Therefore, he should be given time to grow into the position, with Ryan Sessegnon providing competition.

Midfield

From the 2017 midfield three, it is Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen who best highlight the disparity between that team and the current team.

Eriksen’s creativity has not been replaced since his departure in January 2020. Tanguy Ndombele and Giovanni Lo Celso were considered to be replacements, but form and injuries, respectively, have hampered their Tottenham careers.

The loss of Dembele was perhaps of greater significance. Much more than just a defensive midfield player, he was strong, could break up play, but also had great technique, the ability to glide past players and progress the team up the pitch. A “genius” according to ex-manager, Mauricio Pochettino.

Verdict: Ndombele has now had ample chances under several managers. Irrespective of his reaction on Sunday, which didn’t help his cause, Tottenham should look to offload him. On the other hand, Lo Celso should be afforded the opportunity, at least until the summer, to prove his fitness and fill one of the voids below.

Whether Lo Celso or someone new, Tottenham need a creative midfielder that can be the missing link between midfield and the forwards – especially if playing in a 3-5-2 formation.

If 3-4-3 is preferred then a more progressive holding midfielder is needed, in the style of Dembele. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks are all capable footballers but are not ball carriers who will drive the team forwards.

Forwards

The only area of the pitch which hasn’t regressed. Dele Alli was scintillating back then, scoring twice in that 2-0 victory over Chelsea. However, things move on and, whereas Alli has faded, Tottenham have other good options going forward with Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and the potential of Bryan Gil.

Verdict: Although not the most pressing area to be addressed, another striker would be a useful addition. Someone who can take the burden off Harry Kane and provide an alternative option.

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The Belgian departed Spurs last year at the expiry of his contract, which brought an end to an eight-year stint at the club which yielded 315 appearances in total.  

Now 34-years-old and at Benfica, Vertonghen is still able to perform at the top level and has been one of the Portuguese side’s most important players this term. 

However, his age will likely be causing him to think about his long-term plans and what comes next with the end of his career surely approaching. 

Vertonghen was pressed on the matter and he had little doubt in sharing he would like to return to Spurs and hopes he will receive a call in the future over a possible role at the club. 

He told the club’s Twitch channel: “You never know. I still speak to former colleagues and I’m still active with people at the club.

“I had a great time there. Things are changing with the coach and some new people. But I think a call will always be there. 

“I hope one day I can come back and see what is possible there.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Vertonghen was a great servant of the club and you can definitely see him in the dugout at some point down the line. You can tell he has all the qualities to become a coach from his demeanour and that is something plenty would like to see him take up going forward. 

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Lamela has been nominated for the Puskas Award 2021 for his incredible Rabona goal in the North London derby last year.

If the Argentine takes home the award, it will be the second consecutive year that a Spurs player has won it, with Son Heung-min scooping it last year for his solo effort against Burnley.

Vertonghen, who departed Spurs to join Benfica in the summer of 2020, took to social media to insist that his old Tottenham teammate, Lamela, deserves the award. The Argentine responded to the Belgian’s post, thanking him for his kind words.

The pair’s exchange has struck an emotional chord with some Spurs fans on social media, many of whom insisted they would have both Lamela and Vertonghen back in North London in a heartbeat.

https://twitter.com/aishathfc/status/1465402065010704384

I love this would have them both back in a heart beat https://t.co/jISdliIGI9

— Takerluke #LevyOut (@Takerluke) November 29, 2021

https://twitter.com/emmathfc9/status/1465405544131436550

@JanVertonghen Any chance you two fancy another season back at spurs please

— Pricey (@nickprice153) November 30, 2021

come back we miss u

— lydia (@thfclydia) November 29, 2021

Need you back here at Spurs!

— COYS! (@COYS_001) November 29, 2021

Please come home

— top spur (@lxstlosty) November 29, 2021

Miss both you guys

— johnTHFC (@277john) November 29, 2021

Miss you both @JanVertonghen & @ErikLamela Congratulations Erik

— Dave (@dave_ossie4ever) November 29, 2021

Come home coco

— Luka (@Lukathfc) November 29, 2021

Spurs Web Opinion

Since I started supporting Spurs, the squad from around 2015-2018 has been by far the most likeable group of players. The fan base certainly resonated with them a great deal. It is a shame that they do not have any silverware to show for their efforts at the club.

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Son Heung-min took home the award last year for his brilliant solo effort in Tottenham’s 5-0 win over Burnely in 2019. 

The award could now be won by a Spurs player for two years in a row, with Lamela being nominated for his goal in the North London derby earlier this year. 

As Tottenham fans will remember only too well, the 29-year-old produced a sensational Rabona from a tight angle that managed to squeeze through Thomas Partey’s legs into the far corner. 

FIFA.com have revealed that the winner will be selected by an international jury comprising a panel of FIFA Legends and registered fans from all over the world.

Vertonghen was certainly in no doubt who deserved the award, insisting that his former Spurs teammate had the best goal of the calendar year.

The Sevilla man has now responded to the Belgian, thanking him for his words. 

Thanks my bro https://t.co/kTTKpaYluR

— Erik Manuel Lamela (@ErikLamela) November 29, 2021

Spurs Web Opinion

While there are some brilliant goals on that shortlist, I think Lamela’s one might have the edge, not just because of the brilliant piece of skill but also due to the occasion and importance of the game. To pull that off in a North London Derby was special and I believe he deserves the award.

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Vertonghen arrived at Tottenham from Ajax in the summer of 2012, the same time as Lloris joined the club from Lyon.

Alderweireld joined from Atletico Madrid three years later and the Belgium pair went on to form a formidable partnership over the next few years.

Both players, along with Lloris, were vital parts of the club’s rise under Mauricio Pochettino, with the Lilywhites challenging for the title on two occasions and falling just one step short of winning the Champions League in 2019.

That team is now all but broken up, with Vertonghen leaving in the summer of 2020 and his Belgium teammate following him out the door this summer.

The North London club are now at the start of a new era under managing director of football, Fabio Paratici and head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo.

Lloris’ captained France to a 3-2 win over Vertonghen and Alderweireld’s Belgium side in the Nations League semi-final yesterday but the goalkeeper was all praise for the duo before the match.

The 34-year-old told Sky Sports: “They’re not old players. They are experienced players.

“They are a part of this team and have been part of this team for a long time.

“They are great leaders, I played with them at Tottenham and I have, no doubt, that for such a game that they will play at their best level.”

When asked if Spurs should have hung on to them, he responded: “Well, it’s not a question for me. I am not the person in charge.

“But I had great years with them and it will be a pleasure to see them and meet them tomorrow before the game.”

Spurs Web Opinion

As good as Vertonghen and Alderweireld were, both individually and as a partnership, I believe Spurs let both players go at the right time as they were clearly on the wane. If anything, one can make the case that Toby could have been let go six months to a year before he eventually was.

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Gravenberch, who came through the ranks at Ajax’s esteemed academy, established himself as a regular in the Eredivisie giants’ starting eleven last season and showed plenty of promise. 

The 19-year-old subsequently won himself a place in the Netherlands squad for the European Championship this summer, making two appearances in the tournament. 

The central midfielder has started the new campaign from where he left off last term, impressing in the Dutch League as well as Ajax’s opening Champions League game against Vertonghen’s Sporting Lisbon, which Erik Ten Hag’s side won 5-1. 

CalcioMercato reported earlier this week that Fabio Paratici is keen on bringing Gravenberch to North London and is set to challenge Juventus for the youngster’s signature.

The teenager has now been given the seal of approval from Vertonghen, with the former Spurs star naming the midfielder among the players who impressed him the most in Ajax’s 5-1 win at Lisbon.

The centre-back told Voetbal Primeur: “The first half-hour was incredible. I really enjoyed it.

“What struck me? How good Ajax actually are. Antony is always a fun player to watch, Jurrien Timber is doing an incredible job, Devyne Rensch is a great footballer, Gravenberch… I can keep going.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

The current crop at Ajax is quite similar to the group that made it to the Champions League semifinals a couple of years ago, where they were eventually stopped by Spurs.

I would expect a number of their top young players to be picked up at the end of the season if not January.

Given the strategy Paratici has pursued at Spurs this summer of going after up and coming talent, it does not come as a surprise that he has his eyes on Gravenberch.

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Tottenham announced on Monday that Erik Lamela will be joining Sevilla as a part of a deal to bring Bryan Gil to North London.

The Argentine posted a touching farewell message, insisting that the club will always have a special place in his heart and some Spurs fans admitted that they will miss watching the Argentine’s antics to wind up the opposition.

In fact, part of the reason for Lamela’s cult-hero status among sections of the Spurs fan base is due to incidents like laughing in Jack Wilshere’s face in the North London Derby and stepping on Cesc Fabregas’ hand in ‘the Battle of the Bridge’.

The 29-year-old certainly left everything on the pitch and one got the feeling that he was never too far away from a booking.

Based on Vertonghen’s latest admission, it looks as though Lamela did not shy away from nasty challenges in training either.

Here’s how the Belgian responded to Tottenham’s post on Instagram asking fans for their best Lamela memories.

This is legendary. pic.twitter.com/1dbKC7y2Pt

— Tottenham Independent Transfer Stories (@bankruptspurs) July 27, 2021

Spurs Web Opinion

I think Spurs fans now understand what Pochettino meant when he said the rebuild will be painful. Watching Lamela and Alderweireld follow the likes of Dembele, Eriksen, Vertonghen and Rose out of the door has brought it home that we are watching the end of an era at Spurs.

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Tottenham confirmed today that they have reached an agreement with Qatari club Al-Duhail SC for the transfer of Alderweireld.

The announcement does not come as a surprise, with Fabio Paratici reportedly looking to revamp the centre-back options at Spurs ahead of the new season.

The North Londoners are expected to sign multiple central defenders this summer and Alderweireld has become the first current one to make way.

The Belgian international took to social media to post a touching farewell message, thanking Spurs fans for their support during the six years he spent in North London after his move from Atletico Madrid in 2015.

Alderweireld will be most fondly remembered by Spurs fans for the formidable partnership he formed with Jan Vertonghen, especially in his first few seasons at the club.

Vertonghen has now reacted with applause emojis to a compilation of his compatriot’s best moments in a Tottenham shirt.

https://t.co/nbf086bqfl

— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) July 27, 2021

Spurs Web Opinion

With Lamela and the Belgians now all gone, and Kane potentially on his way out (likely next summer if not this one), this does feel like an end of an era at Spurs.

It is a shame that we did not manage to get over the line and win silverware despite arguably having our best squad in 30 years.

However, there is no doubt that Alderweireld and co will be remembered fondly for all the memories they gave us and the passion they displayed for the club.

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The tweet also claimed that Spurs were wrong to keep Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez over the experienced Belgian centre-back.

https://twitter.com/mattoliver40/status/1409452376344305665?s=21

This came after Vertonghen put in a sensational display against Portugal in the European Championships this week, helping his country to book a place in the quarter-finals. He also did so alongside former Spurs teammate Toby Alderweireld in a back three.

Vertonghen was a star in North London ever since he made the move from Ajax back in 2012 and he went on to make over 300 appearances across eight seasons for Spurs.

In that time, he was a permanent fixture in all the progress and success made at the club, including the Champions League Final and back-to-back seasons competing for the Premier League.

Spurs Web Opinion:

Vertonghen liking this tweet appears to hint that he wanted to stay at Spurs and still had more to give the club. I would have loved to see him carry on for another year or two, but I suppose it comes down to what contract demands were made.

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Alderweireld and Vertonghen came through the ranks of Ajax’s famous youth academy together and went on to be part of multiple Eredivisie winning campaigns at the club. 

Not only have the pair been an ever-present in the Belgium side for the last decade but they were also one of the best centre-back partnerships in the Premier League during that time. 

With both players coming to the twilight of their careers, this summer’s European Championship could be one of their last major tournament together for the Red Devils. 

Roberto Martinez’s men go into the tournament as one of the favourites and they will certainly need the experience of both the current and former Spurs centre-halves if they are going to go all the way.

Alderweireld took to social media after Belgium’s win over Croatia to express his delight at making 350 appearances alongside his friend and international teammate, labelling the Benfica man as a ‘special person’.

350 games together and counting..
Special player, special person On to more @JanVertonghen pic.twitter.com/jDzp7oOI3J

— Toby Alderweireld (@AlderweireldTob) June 6, 2021

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The Belgian defender left North London after eight years last summer when he joined Portuguese giants Benfica on a free transfer.

Vertonghen made 315 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham but departed after seeing his playing time limited under Jose Mourinho last season.

The 34-year-old  admitted in December that he felt the effects of a concussion he sustained playing for Spurs for the following nine months which affected his form (Sporza).

Dele tried to invite the central defender into an Instagram live video chat yesterday afternoon (14/5/21 at 13:54) but Vertonghen was unable to get his audio working.

The former Ajax man was unable to fix the problem which left Dele admitting “Super Jan. I miss you, bro!,” before starting a rendition of the Super Jan song which was sung from stands of White Hart Lane season after season.

Dele isn’t the only one who is missing @JanVertonghen at #THFC pic.twitter.com/tKDSHK6dCi

— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) May 14, 2021

SpursWeb Opinion

Aside from Vertonghen’s form issues last season which he has been open about, there is no doubt that Spurs miss the presence of a capable left-footed defender.

His ability to cover at centre half as well as on the left side of defence was plain to see when he put in one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt during the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

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