Tottenham Hotspur’s starting XI against Juventus may have raised a few eyebrows today, with the likes of Japhet Tanganga, Anthony Georgiou, and Troy Parrott included, but something else caught my eye.
Pochettino decided to not only start Toby Alderweireld, but also hand him the captain’s armband from the start of the match.
The Argentine could have handed this responsibility to another first-team player who there, perhaps boyhood Spurs fan Harry Winks, Heung Min Son, or Dele Alli.
Alderweireld has been linked with a move away from Spurs this summer, with the centre-back having just one year left on his contract and a £25m release clause (Guardian).
The Belgian superstar has been linked with a move to Roma, with Sky Sports reporting that the two clubs were in talks earlier this month.
However, not only has Pochettino decided to include him on the tour, but by handing his the armband, surely he won’t be on the way out any time soon?
Alderweireld’s release clause ends on July 26 (Metro), as it would seem strange for me to see him as a stand-in captain one day, then out the door the next.
If you ask me, this latest move from Poch just confirms that Toby will be staying for at least another year. Let’s hope he signs another extension though!
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