Player watch: Toby Alderweireld

[allpaths]

Is there that much of a difference between Qatar and Belgium football leagues? I know nothing about both tbh but Qatar have put a decent amount into their football since they paid for the World Cup and there national team seems to have come on a fair bit. Of course it’s probably aswell though.

Big difference imo, Belgian league are full a very smart well run clubs. They have strong academies and have advanced scouting department/recruiting policies. The league is full of young hungry lads trying to make their footballing dreams come true.

While qatar league is full of mercenaries who play just for a paycheck, lads that aren't good enough for the championship and some local players to fill in the gaps.

 

[Teddy Klinsmann]

Would still rather Sanchez and Dier leave before him.

Sounds like Sanchez has admirers at Sevilla, so I reckon he could also go. As much as Dier has his critics and I’m one - not a bad 3/4th choice centre half to have around, if we get Romero +1 other in.

 

[Frozen_Waffles]

He is still our best defender and imo has been for a long time (perhaps vertonghen for a season or two). I couldn't understand why he didn't play more last season.

Maybe fitness, injuries or attitude or a combination but when he was on the pitch he was a great defender. I can't remember him having a bad game.

End of an era, our best back four of my time have all gone. Sadly (so far) we haven't replaced a single one with anywhere near the quality.

 

[dtxspurs]

He is still our best defender and imo has been for a long time (perhaps vertonghen for a season or two). I couldn't understand why he didn't play more last season.

Maybe fitness, injuries or attitude or a combination but when he was on the pitch he was a great defender. I can't remember him having a bad game.

End of an era, our best back four of my time have all gone. Sadly (so far) we haven't replaced a single one with anywhere near the quality.

Another one that Mourinho couldn’t get along with

 

[Stamford]

I’m ok with Dier as a squad player. He’s younger, more versatile and has a great mentality.

he has one of the worst mentalities in the squad. Goes to pieces under pressure constantly.

 

[JCRD]

I love Toby... Great defender in his pomp with us. I am surprised we perhaps didn't offer Toby as part of the romero deal or perhaps we have no idea.

Now for Davinson and Dier

 

[Living Legend Colm G]

He is still our best defender and imo has been for a long time (perhaps vertonghen for a season or two). I couldn't understand why he didn't play more last season.

Maybe fitness, injuries or attitude or a combination but when he was on the pitch he was a great defender. I can't remember him having a bad game.

End of an era, our best back four of my time have all gone. Sadly (so far) we haven't replaced a single one with anywhere near the quality.

Agree with much of this. So many of the things José did last year infuriated me and his treatment of Toby was just another on the list. He was by far our best defender yet the amount of times he was dropped seemed nonsensical. If I remember correctly, one of the times was after he scored an own goal. Ridiculous.

Anyway, aside from that, I'll be sad to see him leave. His partnership with Jan was the best I've seen at the club as my time as a supporter (King and Woodgate were a superb pair but injuries disrupted them).

I'll only wish him well for being a fantastic servant for Tottenham Hotspur.

 

[allpaths]

he has one of the worst mentalities in the squad. Goes to pieces under pressure constantly.

Him and dele are far too complacent imo.

 

[Teemu]

he has one of the worst mentalities in the squad. Goes to pieces under pressure constantly.

Nah. He’s a limited player, sure, but he’s one of the very few players in the squad who seems to have any leadership qualities whatsoever.

 

[sharky127]

He can't go...my son is named after him and I'm not allowed to change his name to Tanguy or Jasphet

 

[easley91]

Toby was class for us. Going to miss him like Jan and Moussa. Sad to see him finally go.

 

[andy00900]

He can't go...my son is named after him and I'm not allowed to change his name to Tanguy or Jasphet

Just change his name to Son, easy

 

[Yiddo1982]

He’s gone. Pics of him in their colours.

 

[deanostheyido]

Does look like this could be happening.

 

[allpaths]

Does look like this could be happening.

Congratulations on the engagement

 

[Yiddo100]

Does look like this could be happening.

Probably a great deal for both sides, incredible that he’s 32 and we’re selling him for a profit, shows how good he has been here

 

[ardiles&villa]

I’m actually sad. Toby is a hero of mine.

 

[cjbyid]

Weird move. Could have definitely played in Europe for longer.

A nice pay day for him though!

 

[ajspurs]

Have to admit, I'm really glad we've got this done. Don't get me wrong, I really like the guy, amazing on the pitch for us in all his time here and seems a great guy off it. Not only that, I rate him more than any of our other defenders, but for someone who wants to leave and considering his age, it's a really good deal I feel. Am just also really happy it's not something that's dragged on. Hope he gets a good send off as he definitely deserves it.

Alderweireld and Lamela wouldn't have been my first two out the door, but unfortunately you can't really pick the order in which players leave.

 

[Danfunkel]

Him and Jan were the best in the league during the Poch peak. I loved them both. But time to move on.

Cheers Tob!