Martin Jol is a popular figure amongst Tottenham Hotspur fans.
Martin Jol
Former Spurs boss Martin Jol sat down for an exclusive interview with popular football news website Football.London, and opened up on the role he played in transforming Jan Vertonghen from a midfielder into a centre-back during their time together at Ajax.
The Dutchman managed the Belgium international during his time in charge of the Eredivisie giants and lower league side RKC Waalwijk.
The 30-year-old is now widely considered to be one of the finest central defenders in the world, and his calm, authoritative displays have been a major contributing factor behind Tottenham’s recent successful Premier League campaigns.
And Jol explained to Football.London how he played a vital role in Vertonghen’s rise within the game:
“I put Jan Vertonghen at the back because he was a midfield player at Ajax. He was at my old club RKC Waalwijk as well. I switched him to play at the back. I made Toby Alderweireld a regular player as well and it’s lovely to see that they are probably the best pair in the Premier League now.”
Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen in action
The Lilywhites signed the 88-capped international from Ajax in the summer of 2012, for a fee believed to be in the region of £12 million, and that price now looks like an absolute bargain.
The partnership he has formed with Alderweireld at the heart of the Spurs defence is one of the most formidable in world football, and must be considered as arguably the most important component of Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
And had Jol not experimented with Vertonghen in a defensive position during their time together at Ajax, the Premier League’s best defensive partnership might never have been formed.
Tottenham fans have a lot to thank their former boss for, that’s for sure.
Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen
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