Apart from Belgium’s 2-0 victory over England, Toby Alderweireld has started in all five matches for Roberto Martinez’s side at the 2018 World Cup. He even registered an assist for Eden Hazard against Tunisia.
In the Premier League, the defender made only 14 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur last season. That didn’t stop him from making it to Belgium squad, who lost to France in the semi-final of the World Cup.
Following his national side’s defeat at the hands of France, Alderweireld admitted that he had a “difficult season” with the north London club. The former Southampton man also stressed that his display for Belgium showed that he can still play at the “highest level”.
“After my difficult season at Tottenham, it was important to show that I am fit and that I could show myself again at the highest level,” Alderweireld told Het Nieuwsblad.
Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad claims Alderweireld’s contrac situation at Tottenham coupled with injuries restricted his playing time under Mauricio Pochettino last campaign. The 29-year-old is attracting interest from ‘top clubs’ like Manchester United and Barcelona.
Barcelona are after Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet. It is unlikely that they will try to sign Alderweireld in the same transfer window.
Jose Mourinho is looking to bring in a new centre-back and the Belgium international has long been on the Portuguese tactician’s radar.
