Player watch: Toby Alderweireld

[davidmatzdorf]

Alderweireld has at least two years to play an important role as mentor for Tanganga, Sanchez, Foyth et al. I have no problem with his contract. As his skills gradually diminish, that is what will happen, but we need seasoned and expert defenders in the squad, even ones who are slowing down.

There are quite a few people here who are over-reacting to one match, when he was admittedly distracted and exhausted as a result of his child being born. He's still an asset, even if he isn't the commanding defender of three years ago.

 

[Strikeb4ck]

Toby has been our player of the season FFS. He's had to play literally every game since Mourinho came in (except maybe that cup game against Boro?), he's probably dead tired from that alone...forget the fact he is playing in a threadbare squad lacking anything resembling just one defensively capable midfielder. Stop with the knee jerking for once.

Also his hair is still phenomenal.

 

[yankspurs]

I'm not happy saying this but Hank was right.

As i often am

 

[yankspurs]

Toby has been our player of the season FFS. He's had to play literally every game since Mourinho came in (except maybe that cup game against Boro?), he's probably dead tired from that alone...forget the fact he is playing in a threadbare squad lacking anything resembling just one defensively capable midfielder. Stop with the knee jerking for once.

Also his hair is still phenomenal.

Yeah, no.

 

[piedpiper]

Take Toby out this team.... No better still let him pick up an injury for the next 6-8weeks..... Then we will see his worth. Why is a supposedly poor defender playing almost every game.....

 

[double0]

Take Toby out of the team, pair Sanchez with Tanganga, defend slightly higher which will force the team to push up and squeeze space you will see a vast improvement across the board.

 

[SugarRay]

I blame the new baby! He shouldn’t be anywhere near wake up duty 2-3 days before match day

 

[Strikeb4ck]

Yeah, no.

Who then?

 

[dondo]

Alderweireld has at least two years to play an important role as mentor for Tanganga, Sanchez, Foyth et al. I have no problem with his contract. As his skills gradually diminish, that is what will happen, but we need seasoned and expert defenders in the squad, even ones who are slowing down.

There are quite a few people here who are over-reacting to one match, when he was admittedly distracted and exhausted as a result of his child being born. He's still an asset, even if he isn't the commanding defender of three years ago.

Generally agree with your points but Toby has been getting progressively worse for 2 seasons now it’s not just one match

 

[@Bobby__Lucky]

Generally agree with your points but Toby has been getting progressively worse for 2 seasons now it’s not just one match

Sadly you are in the right here. He peaked up until the Madrid hamstring or leg issue and never really reached those heights again. To a point where jan was out shining him clearly until his decline. The chemistry between them is declining too imo. Hopefully Jose can bring out the pro active defending Toby used to show from the slightly passive style he showing now.

 

[Sophos151]

Who then?

Son, Aurier, and Lo Celso would be the obvious candidates. The problem is, none of them have been good for the whole season.

 

[SlotBadger]

Only just been sent this, so apologies if you've all seen it.

Toby calls a Spurs fan who works for the NHS:

 

[Rocksuperstar]

 

[daryl hannah]

Good to see/hear Toby so happy after the derby win - there's a couple of our players who still show REAL, heartfelt passion:

Toby, Verts, Hugo, Ben I think also displays it, Gio is showing it a bit on twitter.

I'm talking the fist pumps punching the air in celebration, being pumped up, exclaiming visibly when things go well or badly. It's great to see a bit of passion back.

Toby also looks slightly gaunt - like he's been training hard. Looks super fit. Good man.

 

[Cochise]

If he can find that extra gear that has been missing then he'll be the centre of our defence next year. I still feel like he'll be rotated with Dier, but he's experienced.

 

[dtxspurs]

Still think he's our best CB.

 

[pedrodelawasp]

Still think he's our best CB.

He has enough class about him that he’ll find a way to adjust to losing that yard or so of pace while still being excellent.

 

[sausage]

Still think he's our best CB.

Always has been, very much because of his ability to head a corner and play a deep through ball. For some fucked up reason, removing those skills from the mix was part of our remixed 'dick about at the back' stuff a season or so ago.

 

[BringBack_leGin]

My issue with Toby sans Vertonghen is that he react to where the ball is coming from when defending, as opposed to Vertonghen who attacks a headable ball. That’s fine as long as he’s paired with another proactive header (Dier fits the bill) but when with Sanchez, who is also reactive rather than proactive, it invites pressure. A centre back who prefers to defend by forcing the attacker to run out of options should always have one centre back partner who defends on the front foot. King had Dawson and Woodgate, Carvalho had Terry, Pepe and Ramos, Ferdinand has Vidic. By the same token, two proactive centre backs leaves you exposed when they over commit. It’s about balance. There’s a reason you hear about centre back partnerships more than the individuals.

 

[teok]

Dear Jose...never drop Toby Alderweireld again - Football365

Toby Alderweireld 2020 might not be Toby Alderweireld 2016 but he is still better than any Eric Dier.

www.football365.com