Tottenham Hotspur fans are enduring a brutal season, with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. The Lilywhites look completely out of sorts under Ange Postecoglou, far from the side many expected to challenge for a top-four finish. Defensively, they’ve been particularly poor, managing just six clean sheets in 29 league games, a dismal record for a club with Champions League aspirations at the start of the campaign.
Such a disappointing season has inevitably left fans reminiscing about the glory days under Mauricio Pochettino. Back then, Spurs were Premier League contenders and Champions League regulars, boasting one of the most well-drilled defensive units in the league. White Hart Lane was a fortress, and at the heart of that defence stood the iconic duo of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld—a partnership that embodied composure, grit, and tactical brilliance.
Vertonghen and Alderweireld were arguably regarded as two of the best defenders in the world during their prime years at Tottenham. Their understanding, chemistry, and consistency at the back were second to none, forming the backbone of a Spurs side that often punched above its weight.
It remains a surprise to many that the duo never managed to lift silverware during their time in North London, despite coming agonisingly close on multiple occasions. Most notably, they played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s historic run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, a remarkable achievement that ended in heartbreak with a loss to Liverpool in Madrid.
Jan Vertonghen speaks about joining Tottenham
Vertonghen is one of the best centre-backs Tottenham have had in their recent history. The Belgium international was a natural leader and was a fan favourite during his time in North London. The 37-year-old played his best years of football at Spurs and gave his all every time. Vertonghen recently announced that he was retiring at the end of the season, and Spurs fans will surely be a bit emotional when he hangs up his boots.
However, the current RSC Anderlecht defender recently revealed a huge secret about his move to Tottenham back in 2012. Speaking to NU (transcribed by TBR Football), Vertonghen said,
“Arsenal was also concrete, but they wanted to make me a midfield controller, an Emmanuel Petit type. I’m not afraid of competition, but the overall picture of Spurs appealed to me more.”
Spurs fans will always be grateful that Jan Vertonghen chose to wear the Lilywhite of Tottenham instead of making the switch to arch-rivals Arsenal. The former Ajax defender created countless unforgettable moments during his time in North London. From being a cornerstone of Mauricio Pochettino’s side that regularly challenged for the Premier League, to delivering on the biggest stages in Europe, Vertonghen’s legacy is etched into the club’s modern history.
One of his standout performances came during the iconic 2018/19 Champions League campaign, when he not only scored but also assisted against Borussia Dortmund in the Last 16, an electric night that encapsulated his class, commitment, and importance to the team.
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Now 37, Jan Vertonghen has enjoyed a legendary career, earning an incredible 157 caps for the Belgian national team, an achievement that speaks volumes about his consistency and class. At Tottenham, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
His leadership, loyalty, and countless match-winning performances in a Spurs shirt have left a lasting legacy at N17. Vertonghen’s contribution to the club will be remembered for years to come, not just for the trophies that eluded him, but for the passion and pride with which he wore the Lilywhite jersey.