Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has thanked former clubs Ajax and Atletico Madrid for helping him to learn his trade as a centre-back, claiming that they helped him to become the “total defender” in England.
Alderweireld, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Spurs, forming an excellent defensive partnership with fellow countryman Jan Vertonghen.
The Belgian international thanked Ajax for developing his technical skills and put his defensive capabilities down to Atletico’s coaching and support.
At Ajax, they are strict when it comes to using the ball as a defender. It is like a pyramid there. There are a lot at the bottom, but if you can’t handle it when you get to the top, you have to go. They develop you.
The 26-year-old has already made 23 appearances for Mauricio Pochettino’s men this season after his £10 million move to White Hart Lane in the summer; a deal that seems to be more and more of a bargain as the season progresses.
At Atletico, I learned how to defend. I got the best from both sides and now Tottenham get the benefit from that. I feel I am a total defender.
Alderweireld will be hopeful of extending his good form into Spurs’ Boxing Day clash with Norwich at home.
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