Jan Vertonghen has been a key member of Tottenham Hotspur’s rise in recent seasons.
talkSPORT pundit Ryan Mason has made a huge claim that Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen is ‘one of a very few’ that presses the ball when he senses danger in front of him.
Mason was full of praise for the 31-year-old for his ‘brave’ playing style and stated that his near-unique qualities allow him to be versatile, i.e. playing as a wing-back like he did against Borussia Dortmund.
Vertonghen, who is usually a centre-back, deployed a left wing-back role during his side’s 3-0 win against the German club in the Champions League last Wednesday and produced a Man of the Match display.
Speaking on the Final Word on talkSPORT (17/02/2019), Mason explained why Vertonghen is ‘one of the best’ players in his position in England’s top-flight.
“Jan for me is one of the best defenders in the Premier League at stepping out and taking risks and being brave,” Mason told talkSPORT. “A lot of defenders when they see the danger, their first thought is run back towards your own goal.
“Whereas Jan is one of the very few that goes to the ball and presses and doesn’t allow them [the attacker] to turn. I think that’s why he has the ability to play as a wing-back.”
Under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino, Vertonghen has grown as a footballer in the Premier League and formed a formidable partnership with his international teammate Toby Alderweireld.
This has played a huge part in Tottenham’s rise under their highly-rated coach, who has deployed the duo in a flat back four or in a three in recent seasons.
Over the course of the season, Vertonghen has played 20 games in all competitions for his team, including scoring and assisting against Dortmund last time out, according to transfermarkt.
Nonetheless, Spurs, who didn’t play over the weekend, will return to league action on Saturday when they take on Sean Dyche’s rejuvenated Burnley.
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