SPURSY AS USUAL, HIS PERFORMANCES IS BEYOND DISSAPPOINTMENT- GARY NEVILLE STRIKES AGAIN
Tottenham Hotspur fans still grapple with the lingering question of how they failed to secure any trophies during the Mauricio Pochettino era. This period was characterized by near-misses and heartbreaks, from losing out on the Premier League title to Leicester City to the agonizing defeat in the Champions League final. Despite these setbacks, there was a sense of optimism and belief among the fans, largely due to the high-quality players the team possessed.
Tottenham boasted some of the finest talents in Europe during Pochettino’s reign. The squad was packed with players of exceptional skill and potential, forming a formidable unit on the pitch. However, the majority of these stars have since moved on, with Son Heung-min now standing as one of the last remaining pillars of that era. Currently the Spurs captain, Son embodies the spirit and resilience of Tottenham, continuing to chase the elusive silverware that has so far slipped through his fingers.
One significant player from Pochettino’s time was Jan Vertonghen, who left the club in 2020. Vertonghen, known for his defensive prowess and leadership, was a mainstay in Tottenham’s backline. His departure marked the end of an era, but his influence and memories continue to linger. Reflecting on his time at Tottenham, Vertonghen must ponder not only the missed opportunities at club level but also with his national team, Belgium. Often regarded as part of Belgium’s golden generation, Vertonghen and his teammates have come agonizingly close to major international success.
Recently, Belgium suffered a heart-wrenching 1-0 defeat to France, with Vertonghen’s own goal proving to be the decisive factor. At 37 years and 68 days old, Vertonghen became the oldest player to score an own goal in the history of the European Championships, according to OptaJohan. This unfortunate incident drew criticism from Gary Neville, who did not hold back in his assessment of Vertonghen’s defending during that crucial moment. Speaking on ITV Sport, Neville commented on the former Spurs man’s failure to effectively close down Kolo Muani.
Neville, a former Manchester United legend and now a respected pundit, expressed that Vertonghen should have acted more swiftly to prevent Muani from turning and shooting. “I think he will be disappointed, I mean beyond disappointed, not just the fact that it gets credited to him as an own goal,” said Neville. “Belgium had their players back and have been in situations like this throughout the match. But when France quickened the play, Vertonghen failed to shift quickly enough. Muani didn’t do anything spectacular, but Vertonghen was caught one or two yards off, which isn’t unlucky—it’s poor defending, especially from an experienced player.”
Despite this critical moment, it’s essential to recognize Vertonghen’s contributions and legacy. During his time in the Premier League, Vertonghen was a crucial figure for Tottenham. Partnered with Toby Alderweireld, the Belgian duo formed one of the most formidable defensive partnerships in the league. Their understanding and synergy on the pitch were second to none, and they were instrumental in Tottenham’s successes and strong defensive record during their tenure.
However, Tottenham has faced challenges in filling the void left by Vertonghen and Alderweireld. The club went through several defensive configurations, searching for the right balance and solidity at the back. It has taken a considerable amount of time and effort to rebuild the defense, but there is a sense of renewed hope with the emergence of a new defensive partnership under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have shown promise, and there is optimism that they can emulate the heights reached by Vertonghen and Alderweireld.
Looking back, the Pochettino era at Tottenham will always be remembered for its unfulfilled potential and near-glory moments. The team came close to achieving greatness but fell short in the decisive moments. For Vertonghen, both his club and international careers reflect the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak in football. As Tottenham moves forward with new talent and ambitions, the memories and lessons from the past will continue to shape their journey. The fans, ever hopeful and passionate, will keep dreaming of the day when their beloved club finally lifts a long-awaited trophy.
