Missed Man: Timely Alderweireld return key to Spurs' fading title hopes

Football leaks have made a habit of revealing the finers points of players’ contracts in recent years and earlier this week they caused quite the stir. Details emerged of a £30m release clause in Toby Alderweireld’s contract, which naturally left Tottenham fans fretting over their star defender’s future at the club. Once the details were revealed, however, it’s now highly unlikely the clause will ever be triggered and with Spurs thought to be negotiating a new deal for the Belgian, and chances are it will be removed entirely should he opt to extend his stay at White Hart Lane. 

The fans off their feet to appleaud the defender during his cameo in the 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, and when his name was announced it earned arguably the loudest cheer of the night at Wembley. It was his first competitive appearance since being stretchered off in the 1-1 draw at West Brom almost two months ago and it’s fair to say he has been missed at the heart of the Spurs defence. 

Since signing from Atletico Madrid last summer, the 27-year-old has been an essential member of the Spurs starting XI, forming a solid defensive partnership alongside compatriot Jan Vertonghen. With Hugo Lloris between the sticks, it was a firm foundation from which to build upon and saw Mauricio Pochettino’s side concede the joint-fewest Premier League goals (35) last season. Spurs may have lost just once in England’s top tier this term, but the absence of Alderweireld has been felt more than most. 

In his eight league starts, Spurs have won five and conceded an average of 0.5 goals per game. In the six top-flight matches without Alderweireld, Spurs won two and shipped an average of one goal a game. His return, then, is evidently a huge boost to the side as they look to secure a Champions League finish once more. There are many who believe Alderweireld to be the finest in his position in the Premier League and you would certainly be hard pressed to find a better centre-back in English football at present. 

Yet the experienced centre-back is not one who will dive into challenges as a means of denying the opposition, which is much of the reason why he has committed just 12 fouls in the top-flight of English since the start of last season. Indeed, in his 46 Premier League appearances for Spurs, Alderweireld has made just 51 tackles. “If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake,” former AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini once said and it’s a saying that rings true for Alderweireld. Indeed, in his 46 top-flight outings, the defender has made considerably more interceptions (77) than tackles, highlighting his positional awareness as a means of denying opponents. 

It isn’t just Alderweireld’s ability to halt the opposition, though, that benefits Tottenham. His calmness and composure both on and off the ball instills confidence right through the defence. It’s the impressive reading of the game that means he’s been dribbled past just 21 times in the Premier League during his time with Spurs as opponents routinely struggle to get the better of the Belgium international. 

That being said, his influence is impossible to quantify. He marshals the defence with consummate ease, leading by example rather than barking orders across the pitch, similar to Spurs hero Ledley King in his heyday. This then resonates throughout the team, who can play with greater freedom know Alderweireld is capable of shielding the goal, allowing Spurs to attack opponents on a whim. In that regard, Alderweireld also has a crucial role to play. 

Of all outfielders, he’s played the most accurate long balls (309) in the Premier League since the start of last season. A familiar sight for Spurs fans is a raking Alderweireld ball to the flanks or towards the opposition penalty box, with this route to goal how he ended up with two assists in the Premier League last term. Having spotted the run of teammate Dele Alli, Alderweireld picked out the England man from distance, with his two assists for the England international coming against West Brom and Everton. 

While Pochettino will often look to retain possession and build attacks patiently, Alderweireld’s directness is a handy weapon at his disposal, particularly if he wishes to demand a direct approach. As Spurs gear up for a trip to Old Trafford, this facet to the defender’s game could prove crucial.  

All in all, Alderweireld’s return to fitness is a huge boost to the side. “I’m very happy. It was a tough two months because it’s not a usual injury,” Alderweireld said earlier this week on the back of his appearance against CSKA Moscow. Pochettino now has his best players back available following injury, which can only serve as a positive for Spurs, who will now look to get their stuttering season back on track.