Ranking Tottenham’s Summer Transfers
By Ryan Wrenn
2. Toby Alderweireld
The only member of this list to have actually featured for Tottenham so far this season, Toby Alderweireld is easily Tottenham’s best defensive acquisition in years. Jan Vertonghen has proven his worth over three seasons of service, but even he could not make the same claims that Alderweireld could make coming into this Tottenham team. The Belgian international had featured in a runners-up Champions League campaign with Atlético Madrid in 2013/14 just before he served on the second best defense in the Premier League with Southampton last term. Those are bonified credentials, especially for a team as in need of quality defenders as Tottenham.
Alderweireld has played every minute of all four games Tottenham have played so far this season. He conceded a penalty against Stoke City, but has otherwise been the most reliably consistent member of Spurs’ backline. His defense is quality and his penchant for long crossfield balls makes him a vital tool in Tottenham’s attempts to further capitalize on their high press.
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His experience and his obvious talents made Alderweireld the only signing this summer who was slotted for an immediate starting position. Though they typically play on opposite flanks at fullback for the Belgian national team, Alderweireld and Vertonghen have developed a quick chemistry. Saturday’s game against Everton was arguably their best yet, and hopefully a sign of things to come.
Next: Heung-Min Son