Opinion: Mourinho simply must put faith in this centre-back partnership

Tottenham Hotspur have had an absolute nightmare with centre backs so far this season, with Mourinho using Sanchez, Dier, Alderweireld, Rodon, and Tanganga at one point or another.

The season has been riddled with mistakes from the centre of the defence and the Special One is yet to really find a first-choice pairing at the back.

Unfortunately, I think it has come to the point where Spurs need to throw ‘first-choice’ out the window and settle for the least vulnerable pairing.

In my mind, this simply has to be Toby Alderweireld and Joe Rodon – and here is why.

I would argue that Alderweireld has been lumped in with Dier and Sanchez this season when it comes to criticism. With regards to individual mistakes at the back, I can’t think of too many glaring ones from the Belgian.

Alderweireld is technically still Tottenham’s best defender and by some distance, however, he has unfortunately lost a yard of pace this season now that he is north of 30.

Despite this, with the right partner, I still believe that he has a lot to offer. His leadership and reading of the game is still unparalleled and next to Joe Rodon could form a really solid base for Tottenham to build from.

Rodon has been the shining light in the Spurs defence this season. He looks dominant in the air, sensible at the back and confident with the ball at his feet. The more game time we can give him, the better he will get. And who better to learn from than Toby?

The Welshman also has more than enough recovery speed to help out with balls in behind Alderweireld, while the Belgian has the experience to cover for any mistakes from the youngster.

Would it win titles as a back two? No, but I think it could finally give Spurs an opportunity to keep clean sheets, build from the back and, with Rodon in mind, build for the future.

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