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Gary Neville fires BRUTAL message to Tottenham for letting EURO 2024 star slip away
Tottenham Hotspur fans still lament the missed opportunities during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, despite having a talented squad. One of the remaining players from that era, Son Heung-min, now captains the team and hopes to secure the elusive trophy. Jan Vertonghen, a former Spurs defender, left the club in 2020 and recently experienced a heartbreaking defeat with Belgium in Euro 2024. Gary Neville criticized Vertonghen’s defending, stating he should have closed down Kolo Muani faster, leading to an own goal and Belgium’s exit.
Vertonghen, an underrated player during his Premier League days, formed an exceptional partnership with Toby Alderweireld at Spurs. Their departure left a void that took the team time to fill, but with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero under Ange Postecoglou, a promising new partnership has emerged. The defeat against France marked the end of Belgium’s golden generation, leaving Vertonghen and his teammates wondering what could have been. Neville’s comments highlighted Vertonghen’s disappointment, not just with the own goal but also with his defending in that crucial moment. The experienced defender knows that being one or two yards off pace can be the difference between success and failure.
Vertonghen’s legacy at Spurs is undeniable, and his partnership with Alderweireld remains one of the best in the club’s history. While Spurs have struggled to replace them, the current duo of Van de Ven and Romero shows promise under Postecoglou’s guidance. As Spurs continue their pursuit of silverware, they can draw inspiration from the talents of Vertonghen and his former teammates, who came so close to glory during the Pochettino era.
The Pochettino era was marked by near misses, including the Champions League final defeat to Liverpool and the Premier League title slip-up to Leicester City. Despite this, the team showcased remarkable talent, with players like Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Dele Alli shining alongside Vertonghen and Alderweireld. The current squad, led by Son and featuring talents like Richarlison and Pedro Porro, aims to finally secure the elusive trophy.
Vertonghen’s experience and leadership were instrumental in Spurs’ success during his tenure. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions earned him a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top defenders. His partnership with Alderweireld was built on trust and understanding, allowing them to anticipate and counter opposition attacks effectively.
The defeat against France marked the end of an era for Belgium, as their golden generation bowed out of Euro 2024. Vertonghen, Eden Hazard, and Thibaut Courtois, among others, have been instrumental in Belgium’s success in recent years. Their exit marks a changing of the guard, with younger players like Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere set to take the reins.
Neville’s comments on Vertonghen’s defending highlighted the fine margins between success and failure. As a experienced defender, Vertonghen knows that being a step slower or a yard off pace can be the difference between winning and losing. His own goal against France was a cruel reminder of this, as Kolo Muani’s shot deflected off him and into the net.
Despite this, Vertonghen’s legacy remains untarnished. His contributions to Spurs and Belgium have cemented his place among the best defenders of his generation. As he looks to the future, he can take pride in his achievements and know that his experience and leadership will continue to inspire future generations of players.