Jan Vertonghen is yet to play for Tottenham Hotspur so far this season, but that must change at the weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino needs to settle his differences with Jan Vertonghen and put him back in his side’s starting line-up this weekend.
Pochettino has not picked Vertonghen so far this season, and the Belgian centre-back was said to be furious with his manager on opening day.
Vertonghen was also left on the bench, as Tottenham drew with Manchester City last weekend.
But Pochettino is now only hurting Spurs by leaving Vertonghen out for any longer.
Although Davinson Sanchez is clearly a very capable centre-back, he is not of the same quality as Vertonghen at this stage of his career.
Vertonghen and Alderweireld’s defensive partnership ranks among the very best in the Premier League, and breaking them up makes little sense.
Pochettino also has the perfect chance to ease Vertonghen back into life at Tottenham on Sunday, when they take on Newcastle.
In truth Spurs are likely to be too strong for Steve Bruce’s side with or without Vertonghen in their line-up, but it could be the ideal time for the experienced defender to get his match sharpness back.
Newcastle won’t commit multiple men forward, with Spurs expected to be on the front foot for much of the match.
It could, therefore, be a gentle introduction to ease Vertonghen back into first-team action.
That could be ideal for Vertonghen, with Spurs likely to face tougher tests as the season progresses.
If Tottenham want to give themselves the best chance of winning trophies this season then Vertonghen must be in their starting line-up.
And Pochettino needs to draw a line under his grievances with the centre-back, as Tottenham need Vertonghen back in their team sooner rather than later.
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