3 – Toby Alderweireld
After an explicit season on loan at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur secured the signing of Toby Alderweireld, signing him to a five-year-contract in 2015, Spurs are reported to have paid around £11.5 million for Alderweireld, which went on to be one of the ssummer’sbest buys.
Alderweireld was influential once again last season and discovered fine form for Spurs, playing 38 league matches last season, scoring four goals.
Mauricio Pochettino identified Alderweireld as the perfect partner for compatirot Jan Vertonghen and the Belgian duo certainly built a somewhat solid partnership and the back.
The 27-year-old has proved to be a calming influence in the defence, and does not have any glaring weaknesses which is why he showed consistent sublime performances last season. Standing at 6ft 2′ he is able to battle in aerial duels which is of course needed from somebody in the spine of the team.
Alderweireld is the perfect modern day ball playing defender and for me, Alderweireld’s best trait is his magnificent distribution, a pure ball playing centre-back with a inch perfect pass, his distribution can vary from 10 yards to 30 yards and each time it is excellent which can lead Spurs into attack or out of danger.
Alderweireld made very few mistakes in Spurs’ impressive season, but as he is also very quick he is able to track back and make amends if needed, which is of course another bonus to his game.
His football inteligence is brilliant, he will rarely get caught on the ball and knows exactly when to retain and release it, he also positions himself ahead of the game and is always a step ahead of his opponenet, which once again shows why he is the all rounded perfect defender.
Who do you think will be key for Tottenham next season? Comment below.
