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Tottenham shocker: Pochettino reveals truth about Alderweireld’s absence

By Rucker Haringey

SWANSEA, WALES - MARCH 17: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur at Liberty Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - MARCH 17: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur at Liberty Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Toby Alderweireld’s Tottenham career may be over

In recent weeks, most Tottenham fans have assumed that Toby Alderweireld’s absence from the Spurs starting XI was an issue of fitness. Mauricio Pochettino has set the record straight about the classy Belgian.

Pochettino insists that Alderweireld’s absence is an issue of form rather than fitness. The Argentine boss coolly explained that his centre back simply hasn’t forced his way back into the squad during yesterday’s press briefing. Those comments will only add to the speculation that Alderweireld’s time at Tottenham may soon be over.

The unwritten subtext to Pochettino’s comments is that he has more trust in Davinson Sanchez than Alderweireld at the moment. No one would have predicted such a turn of events before the season began. Alderweireld was firmly entrenched as one of the first names on Pochettino’s team sheet while his new Colombian teammate was still trying to find his way around Tottenham Way.

Sanchez and Alderweireld both found their way into Pochettino’s starting XI earlier this year when Spurs went with three centre backs. The club have found more comfortable footing by going with four at the back lately. That formation switch limits Spurs to just two starting centre backs. Jan Vertonghen has a choke hold on the left centre back position and his partnership with Sanchez has looked excellent in recent weeks.

Alderweireld’s injury and subsequent dip in form could hardly have come at a worse time for his future prospects. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has made no secret of the player’s need for regular game time to earn a starting spot in this summer’s World Cup. It seems that Alderweireld needs to force his way back into Pochettino’s plans at Tottenham if he wants a spot for his country in Russia.

To accomplish that, Alderweireld may need some help from Sanchez. The 21-year-old phenom might have to suffer a dip in form for his veteran teammate to steal his spot. Either that or an injury certainly seem to be Alderweireld’s two best options to get back into the mix for Spurs.

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The good news for Alderweireld is that Pochettino will give him every opportunity to earn his way back onto the pitch. The Spurs boss doesn’t play favourites and he’s constantly challenging his players during training. If Alderweireld starts playing better football he’ll get another opportunity to start. If he doesn’t, look for him to become the subject of an intense transfer bidding war this summer.

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