Alderweireld claims he was ‘hurt’ when Poch dropped him without revealing reason

Toby Alderweireld is undoubtedly one of the best defenders to come through Tottenham in the modern era, particularly in that 2016/17 back line.

The Belgian led an unstoppable defence comprised of himself, Jan Vertonghen, Kyle Walker, and Danny Rose; a defence that did not lose a single home match during the last season at White Hart Lane.

However, as the time ticked by, questions were raised over Alderweireld’s contract in North London.

Spurs decided to trigger an extension clause last season to keep him at the club for an extra year, but it wasn’t until December that Toby signed a new contract (BBC).

The new deal would keep him at Spurs until 2023, now under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho after Mauricio Pochettino was sacked in November 2019.

The Argentine head coach had been known to drop players dilly-dallying over contracts, Alderweireld included, and the defender has now spoken about how he dealt with these moments towards the end of Poch’s reign.

He said (Daily Mail): “It always hurts when you are left out.

“The manager never gave me any reasons. But I understand that.

“I am not the guy who knocks on his door and says: ‘Hey, what about me?’. I think that is very selfish.

“Let’s be honest, he brought this club to the next level and I am grateful for what he did for the club. I think everyone is.

“I just always thought – again it sounds like arrogance – that I will show I deserved to be in the team, and that’s what I did.”

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