Toby Alderweireld was one of many Tottenham players to receive scathing criticism after Saturday’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. The 30-year-old looked off his game as Spurs lost 3-0 at the Amex Stadium and is losing supporters by the week.
Alderweireld’s uncertain future has been blamed for his poor form, but Mauricio Pochetino hasn’t given Davinson Sanchez or Juan Foyth a chance to prove their worth in a central role. The Belgian international’s performance against Brighton could see his starting place at risk, however.
As per WhoScored, Alderweireld played a full 90 minutes, made 90 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 81.9% of his 72 passes, made one interception, whipped in one cross, made five tackles, blocked one shot and made five clearances.
It’s looking like wholesale squad reconstruction is needed. Starting by getting Eriksen, Alderweireld and Vertonghen out of the door in January.#COYS #THFC #BHATOT
— Trevor Durham (@TheTrevorDurham) October 5, 2019
Alderweireld & Vertonghen look like they just don’t want to mark #THFC #coys
— Phill Barrs (@phillbarrs) October 5, 2019
That’s awful defending by Alderweireld. #THFC #COYS
— RuckerHaringey (@RuckerHaringey) October 5, 2019
3-0 for Brighton. I'm sorry but Alderweireld is unable to defend properly #THFC #COYS #BHATOT
— Spurs Analyses (@SpursAnalyses) October 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/tjp_1984/status/1180476933232041989?s=20
Why has Alderweireld all of a sudden started standing off players while defending? What’s happened to him?! #THFC
— Sam Ferry (@SAM_F_) October 5, 2019
Based on what I have seen so far this season, I would not worry at all if any of Aurier, Rose, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Dier, Wanyama or Eriksen left Spurs in January. I have no doubt Pochettino is the right man for Spurs, he needs maximum backing by the club. #THFC #COYS
— Namdalla (@Namdalla93) October 5, 2019
The 30-year-old has played every minute of Premier League this season but has only been on the winning side twice since the opening day – Alderweireld has suffered more defeats than wins or draws in that time. He’s been part of a Tottenham defence that has shipped 21 goals in the league and Europe.
Spurs now have an international break before their next game against Watford (October 19).