Tottenham have had a steady start to their 2016-2017 Premier League campaign, as they are still unbeaten in the league, but they suffered their first defeat of the season in the last game against AS Monaco in the Champions League. The expectations will be high from Pochettino this campaign after a stellar last season, where they finished third on the table above teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. Their secret to success last season was the defensive solidity that was provided by the likes of Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld. In particular, it was the performance of former Atletico Madrid player that caught the attention of the supporters.
The Belgian international moved to the White Hart Lane in a £11.5 million deal last summer after spending the previous campaign on loan at Southampton. Given his excellent showing last season, many rated him as the signing of the season for Tottenham. Therefore it is no wonder that Tottenham had the most watertight defence in the Premier League last season. They conceded a joint lowest total of 35 goals in 38 matches, a very impressive figure indeed. Alderweireld was at the heart of things good about Tottenham last season. He had formed a solid understanding with his international teammate and club mate Jan Vertonghen and never looked shaky when paired up with Kevin Wimmer. He looked comfortable all the time.
Alderweireld was ranked third in the list of clearances made and fifth on the list of headed clearances. The season prior to last season, Tottenham had one of the most leakiest defence in the top half, while Southampton conceded a record low of 33 goals only bettered by the Champions Chelsea. Therefore it’s not difficult to see that Alderweireld arrival definitely helped Tottenham shore things up at the back.
The Belgian international won 54% of duels in all which includes 59 out of 98 aerial battles. Besides all, he scored four goals last season and notched up two assists as well, not bad for a center back, uff! Alderweireld, who was awarded as the man of the match thrice last season, was a joy to watch the entire season.
He had the best defensive stats in the Tottenham squad last season and even his ball playing skills were quite useful in building the game from the back. Pochettino does like his defenders to build the game from the back something the Belgian is very apt a doing. He is also a big presence during set pieces. He has already got on the scoresheet this season with a header against AS Monaco. If Alderweireld can replicate his form from last season and there is no reason why he will not, then Tottenham will definitely find themselves somewhere close to the top of the table this season.
