Latest Spurs news: Vertonghen claims he wasn’t dropped due to fitness concerns

Jan Vertonghen got a start in the Premier League this season as Tottenham played out a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

The Belgian didn’t start any of our games prior to the one at the Emirates but rejected claims of falling out with Mauricio Pochettino.

The 32-year-old claimed that he wasn’t dropped due to fitness concerns but due to tactical reasons (h/t Mirror):

“Yeah, very, very happy to be back. He (Pochettino) said before the first game against Villa it was a tactical decision and I respect that decision.

“No, no, no (it was not fitness related). I came back fit. I played in every pre-season game and I didn’t miss a session. Like the manager explained, it was a tactical decision and we players have to accept his decisions.”

Vertonghen wants to concentrate on his football

The Belgian is in the final year of his contract and suggested that any rumours regarding his future have been due to the Premier League’s decision to close the transfer window earlier than other leagues.

The defender added that he wants to “focus” on his football now and added that he wants to win trophies with Spurs:

“I’ve been so long with the guys, I love the club and I just want to play as much as I can. I feel great and I just want to help the club to win trophies.”

It was great to see Vertonghen back in the starting XI against the Gunners and hopefully, we start a winning run after the international break.

Vertonghen is one of the best and most experienced defenders in the Premier League, and it is great we can count on him for this season at least.

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The Belgian is great alongside Toby Alderweireld, and they should be our first-choice pairing under Pochettino this season.