Just how vital is Toby Alderweireld for Spurs’ success this season? One man doesn’t make a team, especially not a defender, yet Alderweireld provides a calm and experienced example of a top class player.
Let’s compare Alderweireld to the one of his defensive colleagues. The major candidate to challenge Alderweireld is fellow Belgian, Jan Vertonghen, who is statistically the better defender. He has won 10% more duels compared to his team-mate (60% compared to 50%), made 22 more interceptions with 47 in total and has four more than Alderweireld’s nine blocks. Indeed, this suggests that on paper Vertonghen outperforms his compatriot.
On the contrary, Alderweireld has posed more of a threat at the opposing end of the pitch, scoring two goals so far. Both central defenders can be considered vital, as both can play out from the back very well. Both are also able to create chances, Vertonghen capably stepping up into midfield whilst Alderweireld can hit 40-yard passes to switch the play.
@ryanspurs_ @Wizward Jan is heaps better with a partner he can trust as well
— Christopher Jenkins (@J1NKL3) December 20, 2015
The above tweet is right in suggesting that Jan Vertonghen can finally play his best football as he can trust his defensive colleague. Both know each other well from the Belgian national team as well as at their old club, Ajax. Therefore, both are well acquainted and suited to play alongside each other. Not only Vertonghen has benefited, as his new partner has complemented the entire back four too, due to his calm and collected nature. Even when put under pressure, he doesn’t crack and is able to deal accordingly with a threat and to limit the damage of an attack.
It’s this calmness that prevents defensive errors as Alderweireld allows no room for chaos. Instead, he communicates well with the defenders around him and uses his experience to organise effectively. Also, when he wins the ball back, his ball distribution can be sublime, switching the play with raking passes. Alderweireld does what Michael Dawson always tried (and mostly failed) to do.
@Wizward yes he is, he is so calm and assured on the ball and rarely make mistakes. He is very consistent & an accurate passer of the ball
— spurs4life (@LouJayne1882) December 20, 2015
Again, glowing reviews are given for Alderweireld from the Tottenham faithful. These are no overstatements either. His consistency encourages those around him to perform to their best week in, week out. Consistency is not usually a word associated with Tottenham, yet this has become something of a novelty at the club, despite the disappointing performance against Newcastle. Nevertheless, Spurs do look more stable on the whole, and Alderweireld’s performances inspire his team-mates.
If Spurs are to challenge for the top four this season then Alderweireld will be crucial. A player of his calibre is exactly what the team need to reach the Champions League. However, Spurs have very limited cover for both Alderweireld and Vertonghen, the dream duo. The next duo would be Kevin Wimmer and Federico Fazio, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Although Wimmer has proven to be effective in the Europa League and could provide some cover for his team-mates, his inexperience may be an issue.
Mauricio Pochettino needs to put an experienced defender on his Christmas wishlist. If Father Christmas or Daniel Levy can secure a defender with Champions League experience to play as backup to the two Belgians, then Spurs may have a very good chance of achieving their goals this season.
