Toby Alderweireld has now identified the key traits Tottenham Hotspur must prioritise as they embark on a squad rebuild this summer transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur have plenty to fix within their squad ahead of next season after a poor 2025-26 campaign that saw them avoid relegation by finishing just two points above the drop zone.
Roberto De Zerbi, who helped Spurs secure their Premier League status, deserves plenty of credit for the work he did, but attention has now turned towards strengthening the squad.
Spurs have already looked to do just that by securing the services of Andy Robertson on a free transfer as their first summer signing, while Marcos Senesi also looks set to join.
Regardless, Spurs are still in the market for a new centre-back, with Jan Paul van Hecke remaining on their shortlist.
Spurs told what they need in the transfer market
As Tottenham continue to strengthen their squad in the transfer market this summer, Toby Alderweireld has outlined what he believes Spurs need in order to improve.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the former defender stressed the importance of signing players who can handle pressure, perform consistently and show commitment to the club, while also highlighting the need for a strong core within the squad.
Alderweireld told the Daily Mail: “The squad was not good enough for Spurs. We need to go back to players who can perform and handle the pressure and play with heart for the club.
“Fans want players who will fight for the club and badge. Getting new players, that is the way it is. You need players you can count on. Before, there was Sonny (Heung-min Son), Harry Kane, players who were never below a 7/10.
“You need to buy players who are ready. Of course, you can buy players with potential, but you need the core to be so solid. Then you can have a young guy with potential who can learn from some situations.”
Toby Alderweireld addresses Cristian Romero and Spurs attack
While Spurs appear to be addressing some of those issues in the market, they could yet lose one of their most experienced players, with Cristian Romero attracting interest from clubs in Spain and England.
Spurs Web recently reported that Manchester United are preparing an offer for Romero as uncertainty continues to surround his future.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Alderweireld admitted the situation needs resolving quickly and explained why any doubts over staying at Tottenham could become a problem.
He added: “It is not positive when your captain is rumoured to go away. That needs to be cleared very quickly. If he goes, he goes. If he stays, we need to get back to the mindset to become very solid.
“I do not want to kill him. He is an unbelievable player. He has a good attitude and fights for the club. Your captain needs to be the face of the club, the team, and when he is doubting staying, if that is true, you need to go. We would need someone else.
“I like him very much. He is very aggressive, he wants to win duels, but you need to know when you do it and when you do not. If you are playing away at Old Trafford, your team cannot go one man down, that is impossible, and not in the 20th minute.
“You have to balance that, this is a 50-50 duel, but always in your mind, if I lose it, it is not a big, big problem. If I get a red card, that is a big, big problem. Keep your mind always and try to get the right decision. It goes very quick but you need to learn. So many red cards do not help the team, that is very simple.
“We have to have an answer very quick. If he is staying, keep him captain. But he needs to be good for the team. The club needs to be number one.”
Spurs struggled for goals last season, scoring just 48 in the Premier League. In fact, former striker Harry Kane managed more throughout the calendar year with 61.
Alderweireld believes Tottenham’s struggles in front of goal stem from a lack of quality in attacking areas and has questioned whether the club’s forwards took enough responsibility.
Discussing the issue with the Daily Mail, he said: “They need a good striker. That is the most difficult position in the team. No one really took the responsibility to score goals.
“Comparing with Harry Kane is normal because he was there a lot of years. Keep the ball. I call it a rest point, when things are getting difficult, he can play the ball, he can hold it, the team can move up.”