Why Tottenham Hotspur should definitely hand Jan Vertonghen a new contract
According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Jan Vertonghen is keen to extend his stay beyond this season. The Belgian will be out of contract at the end of the campaign and Spurs are yet to hand their veteran defender a new deal.
Tottenham do have the option to extend his current deal by a year but they are yet to excercise it in any manner. There are no doubts from Vertonghen’s side and his mind his clear. Spurs should do the same and hand their centre-back a new contact at the end of the season.
Though Vertonghen claims he is happy to play at Spurs for another four to five years, his age will certainly start to take a toll on him as it already has this season. But the Belgian is a top quality defender and is one the Premier League’s finest in terms of longevity. (Evening Standard)
Since making the move to the Lilywhites in 2012, Vertonghen quickly established himself as a firm favourite and a born leader at the back. The 31-year-old has faced a couple of injury troubles this season but has still managed to keep his place in the first-team.
Though Davinson Sanchez has proven to be an able long-term investment, Jan Vertonghen’s leadership and wisdom make him a standout option. Alongside Toby Alderweireld, he has done extremely well this season.
Vertonghen has made a total of 9 appearances in the league this season, scoring 1 goal and averaging a pass success rate of 87%. Over the years, the Belgian has been their most consistent defender by a long margin. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
The former Ajax defender was also picked in last season’s PFA Team of the Year after his all-round performance for Spurs. Vertonghen is the kind of defender who is supremely astute and very aware at the back. He rarely puts a foot wrong and is one of the best defenders in terms of playing the ball out from the back.
Spurs failed to make a single signing in the summer and with the preparations of their new stadium almost complete, it won’t be easy for the club to spend big.
Hence, Tottenham should hand Jan Vertonghen a new contract at the club. He is a leader and will be a voice of inspiration in the dressing room as well, given his experience. Pochettino should surely hold onto their captain.