Toby Alderweireld

Some defenders win attention by throwing themselves into chaos. Toby Alderweireld preferred to prevent chaos from becoming necessary. Educated at Ajax and refined through Atlético Madrid, Tottenham and Belgium’s golden generation, he was a centre back of positioning, timing and exceptional passing range. His long diagonal ball from the right centre back zone became almost a signature, a way to turn calm possession into instant territory. He was not the quickest defender over open grass, nor the most violent stopper in duels, but his reading of danger, body orientation and composure made him extremely reliable in structured teams. At Tottenham, especially under Pochettino, he formed a superb partnership with Jan Vertonghen, giving the side both defensive security and clean build up. Alderweireld was defensive intelligence with a right foot attached, sober, technical and quietly elite.