Tottenham Hotspur may have run away as 5-0 winners against Red Star Belgrade last night in the Champions League, but I believe that scoreline did flatter the defence.
Against a better side, some of the space Tottenham gave the Serbian side in behind would have cost them.
One player who stood out for me along that backline was Jan Vertonghen, who was preferred to Toby Alderweireld alongside Davinson Sanchez last night.
Unfortunately, I think the Belgian had another night to forget in defence for Spurs, for a number of key reasons.
Once one of his biggest strengths, Vertonghen’s passing out from the back left a lot to be desired yesterday evening. A number of his balls into midfield or strikers were intercepted, putting Spurs on the back foot.
He also lost possession at the back on one occasion, almost leading to an opportunity for the visiting team.
Not only this, but Ben Davies was forced to cover for Vertonghen a number of times when the centre-back was caught pushing up. If Rose had been playing instead of the more defensive Welshman, perhaps Tottenham would have had problems.
It just seems to be that Jan has lost half a yard and a whole lot of confidence over the past year. Let’s hope he can get back to normal soon.
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