Many Tottenham Hotspur fans are reminiscing over Mauricio Pochettino’s 2016/17 team after a Twitter post from The Spurs Web celebrated the partnership of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in that season.
The page highlighted the fact that the north London club conceded just 26 goals in the Premier League that year but ended up falling short to London rivals Chelsea by seven points. They also boasted an unbeaten home record in that season and saw fierce rivals Arsenal miss out on a Champions League place to Liverpool by one point. Indeed, Vertonghen made 42 appearances for Pochettino in all competitions for that campaign, as per Transfermarkt and, according to WhoScored, averaged 7 clearances per game – more than anyone in their squad.
The 32-year old is out of contract in the summer and could potentially leave for free as a result. Indeed, A couple of fans have also highlighted the protection that Vertonghen and Alderweireld had from both Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele, two players in the Pochettino era that have also left the club.
These Spurs fans took time to reminisce on the Twitter post, with one fan claiming that this ‘underrated partnership’ and entire Pochettino team will be ‘sorely missed’:
Up there with the all time CB partnerships in premier league history imo! Been top draw for Spurs
— Bill (@billcrowethfc) March 15, 2020
Honestly everything in that side was perfect each player new exactly how to play along one another
— adam cummins (@adamcum15289412) March 15, 2020
Such an underrated partnership.
— Adam (@AJFriary) March 15, 2020
Memory’s of that side compared to what we have now just makes me sad.
— SanchezSZN.V2 🏴 (@Davinsxnsanche1) March 16, 2020
They had Wanyama and Dembele in front of them, that was massive.
— AYC (@gabsdada) March 15, 2020
The protection from Wanyama and Dembele might have had a little to do with it. Sorely missed.
— Richard Desforges (@DickieDes) March 15, 2020
Spurs fans, where does the Alderweireld and Vertonghen partnership rank for you? Do you miss Pochettino? Let us know in the comments down below!
