Whilst Tottenham managed to get Christian Eriksen out the exit door in the January transfer window, one man whose future was also intense scrutiny but didn’t end up leaving, was Jan Vertonghen.
The Belgium international’s contract expires this summer, and barring there being a change in situation, is likely to leave the club on a free transfer – reports in recent days have even suggested that the 32-year-old could be heading to Inter too.
With such speculation hanging over his head, and all the off-the-pitch rumours surrounding him and Eriksen, it is baffling to see him still take to the field under Jose Mourinho.
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Spurs find themselves four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea after their defeat to the Blues at Stamford Bridge last weekend. As they look to chase down a coveted Champions League spot, the last thing they need is for an individual player to be dominating the conversation and acting as a distraction.
But that is exactly what is happening with Vertonghen. Since returning from a muscle injury at the end of November, the Belgian has featured in all but two of his side’s Premier League games, including even taking the armband for the clash against Watford at Vicarage Road.
What statement does that send to the rest of the squad, that a player whose long-term future looks to be destined elsewhere, is still playing a prominent part in the first-team and even taking captaincy duties too?
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Spurs were ruthless in their decision-making over Eriksen, with Daniel Levy cutting his losses on the Denmark international, and ensuring that a) they at least received some money for him and b) they got rid of a player whose performance levels were beginning to be questioned.
Where was that similar thinking when it came to Vertonghen? Instead, Spurs are now seemingly resigned to losing him on a free transfer, but are still relying on the centre-back to perform for them week-in, and week-out.
Mourinho’s involvement of the defender is a damning indictment on the mess that Levy has created.
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