Jan Vertonghen seems to be sliding down the pecking order at the back for Tottenham Hotspur and head coach Jose Mourinho.
The Belgian now has to compete with Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga, and the newly returned Ben Davies for a spot in the starting eleven.
However, Vertonghen was handed a start in the FA Cup fourth round replay last time out against Southampton, with the Saints having the majority of the positive play on the day.
Jan was taken off just after half-time in order to add some more drive and creativity going forward, as Spurs looked for the goals they needed to turn things around.
The defender looked upset and dejected by the decision, sitting on the bench with his head in his hands long after being taken off.
Vertonghen has just six months left on his contract at Tottenham, so there is no guarantee that he will be around next season, despite his long-term service for the club.
Mourinho had this to say on the Belgian (Charlie Eccleshare):
On Jan: Fantastic professional. I can only say good things – not one bad thing. Came out upset, yes. But I’m happy that he’s like that. I’m happy a player wants to play 90 mins and comes out sad and angry. I take that very well – especially as he showed respect for my decision.
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) February 14, 2020