Should Vertonghen or Foyth start for Tottenham against Arsenal?

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Jan Vertonghen has returned from injury, but should he replace the impressive Juan Foyth in Tottenham Hotspur’s starting line-up against Arsenal?

Jan Vertonghen started in Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan last night, and is in competition with young Argentinian Juan Foyth for a starting spot against Arsenal at the weekend..

Foyth, 20, was ineligible to face the Italians as he was not chosen for the Champions League squad at the start of the season.

However, the young Argentine is back in contention to play at the weekend, giving manager Mauricio Pochettino a selection headache at centre-half.

Belgian defender Vertonghen was widely recognised as Spurs’ first choice centre-half before picking up a hamstring injury in late September in a 2-0 win away to Huddersfield Town.

It meant fellow Belgian Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez struck up a solid partnership at the heart of defence, before the latter picked up a hamstring injury himself.

It led to Pochettino turning to Foyth, and the youngster has not disappointed.

Foyth even scored the only goal of the game in Tottenham’s recent win away to Crystal Palace and was imperious in the 3-1 victory at home to Chelsea at the weekend.

Foyth and Vertonghen share many similarities in terms of playing style. Both are comfortable with the ball at their feet and like to play their way out of defence.

The pair also read the game very well and time their tackles to perfection.

However, 32-year-old Vertonghen has the experience that Foyth doesn’t and, with the derby against Arsenal Spurs’ biggest game of the year, Pochettino may choose to go for the tried and trusted Vertonghen.

The former Ajax defender has also struck up a brilliant partnership with Alderweireld for club and country over the years, with the duo often impenetrable at the heart of defence.

It would be harsh on Foyth if Pochettino was to drop him this weekend, however he has the makings of an exceptional defender, and his time at Tottenham will come.