Alderweireld Backs Vuskovic After Comparing Him to Vertonghen

Luka Vuskovic has not played a competitive match for Tottenham yet, but Toby Alderweireld says the centre-back can have a huge future at Spurs and sees Jan Vertonghen in him. The former Tottenham defender’s view lands at a time when Vuskovic has four years left on his contract and interest in him is growing across Europe.

Toby Alderweireld and Vuskovic

Alderweireld said he played against Vuskovic in Belgium when the youngster was at Westerlo and came away impressed by his physical tools. “Maybe he can do the pre-season [with Spurs] and show his qualities. But he's young, so if it's not this season, in the future he will definitely get a good chance to prove himself, get a regular start in the first team.”

He added: “He's more than just a defender. He scores all of the goals, and he's good with passing as well... he's not a typical defender” and “He's also good with things other than only defending with his head.” Those traits are why Alderweireld said he would compare him to Vertonghen, his former Spurs team-mate.

Hamburg loan and Spurs plans

Tottenham signed Vuskovic nearly three years ago, then sent him out on loan. His most recent spell at Hamburg ended with a place in the Bundesliga's team of the season, a run that has reportedly drawn interest from clubs across Europe.

Vuskovic also wants to stay on loan at Hamburg so he can play with his brother, whose doping ban ends in November. Tottenham have not yet decided on their plans for him, even as they work on deals for Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

That leaves his immediate route at Spurs unresolved. He still has four years on his contract, but his Hamburg form, his team-of-the-season recognition and Alderweireld’s endorsement all push the same way: he is being treated as a player with real value, not a prospect waiting in the queue.