Toby Alderweireld hails partnership with Spurs centre-back partner Jan Vertonghen
Friday 30 October 2015 15:39, UK
Toby Alderweireld has paid tribute to Tottenham's defensive solidity and believes the club has an exciting season in store.
Spurs conceded more goals than relegated Hull last season, but have allowed just eight goals in their opening 10 games this term, thanks largely to the formidable partnership Alderweireld - an £11m summer signing from Atletico Madrid - has forged with Belgium international team-mate Jan Vertonghen at the heart of the defence.
That defensive solidity has ensured Spurs are unbeaten in the league since the opening day of the season - when they lost 1-0 to Manchester United courtesy of a Kyle Walker own goal - and head into Monday Night Football's clash with Aston Villa in excellent heart following the 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth at the weekend.
"We had only one defeat and that was the first game. We have a good organization and everybody works very hard for the team," Alderweireld told NBC Sports.
"I think up front we can make more of a difference but we are in a good way and we've had a lot of difficult games where we have stood our ground and I think we are a team who are difficult to beat."
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The 26-year-old's move to White Hart Lane is the third time he has linked up with Vertonghen in his career after playing in the same youth team at Germinal Beerschot and then Ajax alongside Spurs' schemer Christian Eriksen.
"I know him, especially from Ajax because I played with him but growing up in Belgium I didn't play with him because he is two years older than me," Alderweireld revealed. "It is nice to play with him, we know each other well and I think you can see that on the field."
"We know what to do in certain situations. It is very important. We know from each other that when he makes a mistake I cover and when I make I mistake he picks it up. That is important not only with me and Jan, but the team wants to work very hard and make sure other players' mistakes don't hurt us. That is why we have a good solidity.
"That defensive solidity is the way we will get success. It is important the team feels confident in playing and isn't conceding, not giving away a lot of chances. If you have to score three, four, five goals to win it is not good. I think we can improve up front but we are working very hard in a good way and we are playing very well."
