Often regarded as the best pair of centre-backs in the Premier League, Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld never seem to leave each other’s side.
It’s not because they’re best friends (they might be), but it’s because even when the odd international break comes along, they still end up playing together for their country.
This relationship between the Tottenham centre-backs has been key to Mauricio Pochettino’s success in the Premier League at White Hart Lane, but is also something Roberto Martinez, newly appointed Belgium manager, is trying to build on to get his message across.
Fascinated by tactics, and trying to instil some structure in what used to be an attacking free for all under Marc Wilmots, the Spaniard has admitted the Tottenham pair are his ‘right-hand men’ when it comes to getting through to other players on the pitch.
Speaking to Sport/Foot Magazine, he said: “Toby and Jan have shown they have the experience to fulfil this role, especially because there’s a real chemistry between them.”
Martinez also explained players like the Spurs duo naturally understood the game for what it was, and their ability, along with that of the rest of the team, to control the ball was the key to them controlling matches: “They are privileged in the manner in which they see the game.”
Once again on course to end up with the best defence in the Premier League, Tottenham have only conceded six goals in 11 games, and remain the only side unbeaten so far.
And a lot of it is down to Vertongweireld.
Or is it Janoby?
