da leao： Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a Premier League title race with seven games remaining and Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been a revelation this season.
da supremo： The Argentine’s brand of confronting, high-energy and technically focussed football has been a joy to watch for the White Hart Lane faithful this term and Spurs are good value for their current second place in the table.
The way in which the North London club’s youngsters have taken Pochettino’s methods on board will create confidence that this season will not just be a flash in the pan and Tottenham can offer longevity in mixing it with English football’s elite.
However, despite the youthful exuberance of the junior members of the Spurs ranks, a backbone of more experienced players has also been key in the team’s success.
From captain Hugo Lloris to the reborn Mousa Dembele, Tottenham have a number of older heads that have steered their younger compatriots in the right direction.
Much has been made of the team’s Belgian centre-half pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, which has played a substantial role in making Spurs a much more secure and watertight unit.
While the former may well get the majority of the praise following a mercurial debut season at White Hart Lane, the latter deserves just as much acclaim.
Alderweireld has certainly offered leadership, excellent reading of the game and an aerial presence, but this is complemented by the more cultured Vertonghen.
Although Spurs rumble on in their quest for an unlikely title success, Vertonghen’s absence of late through injury has showcased just how important he is for the team.
The former Ajax enforcer has a sublime left foot that starts Spurs attacks from deep and is easily the most comfortable ball-player in the North London side’s back four.
His mix of brawn and poise have seen international compatriot Romelu Lukaku recently name Vertonghen as the best defender in the Premier League.
With the 28-year-old also comfortable on the left-side of central defence, it has offered Spurs much more balance across their rearguard also.
In the Belgian’s place, Kevin Wimmer has been afforded a run of games in the team and has showcased that he has the abilities to play in the Premier League.
The young Austrian is a good replacement for Vertonghen should the need arise and is also left-footed.
However, some of the positional errors that Wimmer has made since being given an opportunity in the Spurs first team reiterate just how important the first-choice central defensive pairing are.
With the North London side set to feature in the Champions League next season and surely possessing lofty ambitions of maintaining their current high standards, the defensive bedrock that has been formed this term will be vital.
Although Alderweireld and exceptional Lloris are often praised as key components of this, Vertonghen should not be overlooked and is also a key player for a Tottenham side that continues to impress.
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