Tottenham supporters have been particularly quiet in the Transfer Tavern in recent times after seeing their side only muster a 1-1 draw away at Watford on Saturday to continue their poor run of form on a domestic level.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men breezed through their Champions League with four wins and a draw from their five matches, thus topping a group which included holders Real Madrid, and 2013 runners-up Borussia Dortmund. However, it hasn’t quite clicked for them domestically in recent times, and their frustrating run continued on Saturday as a Christian Kabasele header gave Marco Silva’s side an early lead at Vicarage Road, and although Son Heung-min bagged a first half equaliser for Spurs, it wasn’t enough to inspire a turnaround and thus a first victory in the Premier League since prior to the November international break.
Subsequently, there have been many despondent and glum Tottenham fans in the Tavern in recent times, many of whom are focusing on their side’s crucial home clash with Stoke City on Saturday, despite there being a slightly meaningless Champions League game at home to Apoel Nicosia on Tuesday.
In the meantime though, there has been plenty for our resident Spurs fans to get their teeth into recently, not least recent reports suggesting that they could sell centre-back Toby Alderweireld if he cannot agree a new deal at the club.
And the whole saga looks set to plunge Pochettino’s side into a world of issues, as were they to refuse to budge on their wage structure, they would be losing one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
Ultimately, since making the move to England, first of all with Southampton in 2014, the 28-year-old has been absolutely outstanding, and is certainly now part of a select group of centre-backs known to be the best in the Premier League.
Whether it’s off the ball defending against some of the most lethal forwards in the division, or his immense composure on the ball when seeking to launch attacks, the £31.5 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) has it all.
It’s no huge surprise that Spurs have struggled in his absence recently, and may well continue to struggle in the coming weeks given he looks set for a while on the sidelines.
And their recent defensive woes – they have kept just one clean sheet in seven league games – could be all that is needed to persuade chairman Daniel Levy to give the centre-back the contract he wants, as it’s evident that Pochettino’s side have missed his authority in their backline.
However, it’s not just as easy as caving in and giving Alderweireld what he wants, as doing so could stimulate a reaction among the current playing squad to also improve their own financial situations.
It’s well documented that Spurs do not pay the same level of wages as the other title challengers in England – Kyle Walker is likely on double what he earned at Tottenham following his summer move to Manchester City.
And that’s why giving Alderweireld wages closer in line with those at rival top clubs could create a problem – others may feel that their value to the team is that of Alderweireld’s, and as such could demand the same.
Ultimately, it is looking like an increasingly lose-lose situation for Spurs in terms of the Alderweireld situation. Either he goes and Spurs are significantly weakened defensively, or he gets the pay rise he feels he deserves, and thus stimulates a reaction from other Tottenham teammates to do the same, which may not be sustainable.
Thus, things on the pitch aren’t going particularly well for Spurs at the moment, and things off it aren’t looking so rosy either with regard to Alderweireld’s future at the club.
Tottenham fans… what do you think? Let us know!
