da apostebet： Toby Alderweireld’s loan to Southampton last season probably could not have gone any better.
da fezbet： After being deemed surplus to requirements at Atletico – because of Gimenez, Godin and Miranda – the Belgium international came to the Premier League and played a formidable role in one of the most secure back lines in the league.
Now the versatile Belgian defender faces offers from most of the top half of the table for his services in the upcoming campaign. Capable of playing at right-back and defensive midfield as well as his more natural centre-back, Alderweireld strikes as being the perfect squad member for sides struggling with their home-grown quota. His excellent loan spell at Southampton was assisted by the solidity of two defensive midfielders in front of the back four, the experience of Jose Fonte and the brilliant Fraser Forster in goal.
However, the defender has demonstrated his quality against some of the best forwards around.
As part of the current exceptional Belgian generation, Alderweireld is likely to be drawn to a move at Tottenham due to the number of friends he has at the club.
As Tottenham look likely to lose another star player in Hugo Lloris, the club seems further wedged in their uncomfortable Europa League spot and a charge on the top four looks less and less likely with the Champions League clubs all looking into big investment. A move to Tottenham is not a move that will take any player into a club progressing right now and, unfortunately, Alderweireld would be better off waiting for an opportunity at one of the top four than being first choice at Spurs.
The 26-year-old and his agent also need to appreciate the high demand for quality central defenders. With so few players providing consistently top level performances, the elite centre-backs are limited to so few that a player like Alderweireld on the rung below on the ladder is immensely valuable.
There can be arguments made for all of the Champions League clubs in England in need for a centre-back; Chelsea are short of depth, Manchester United need quality, Arsenal are prone to injuries and Manchester City are unable to build a regular defensive partnership.
Alderweireld must not jump at an offer of Tottenham, when biding his time could see the opportunity to move to not only a bigger club, but a team that has the potential to challenge for honours at national and European levels. Chelsea are visibly on the hunt for a defensive option to pressure the inconsistent Gary Cahill and surprisingly, we are yet to see Manchester United make an approach for the Belgian.
Champions League football should be the aim for Alderweireld and his time at Southampton acted as the perfect shop window for the top four to appreciate his quality.
While their second half of the season was a disappointment after their early season form, Southampton would be as good an option as any if Alderweireld is hoping to be the regular from the start of the season. Ronald Koeman continues to invest wisely and build on a solid defensive structure, Saints look in a more organised position to develop as a club than Tottenham have done.
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