Some thought Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino would face a difficult decision upon Jan Vertonghen’s return to fitness. According to The Evening Standard, despite Kevin Wimmer’s solid form in deputizing for the Belgian defender, Pochettino thought the selection to be a straightforward one.
“Jan Vertonghen is one of the leaders in the team, an international, he was fit and deserved to play because he worked very hard for two months. The decision was easy for me,” the Spurs manager said
He also noted the Eric Dier was considered for the job of filling for Vertonghen. Thankfully for Spurs, the decision to put Wimmer in alongside Toby Alderweireld paid off.
Despite dropping a few points since the January 23 match against Crystal Palace where the injury occurred, Kevin Wimmer has hardly put a wrong foot forward. He has proven himself to be sturdy cover for the Belgian duo. His presence also allowed Dier to remain in place and continue his fine form as a back-four shield, breaking up attacks, and allowing his fullbacks to drive forward.
While Wimmer’s emergence as a genuine option at center-back will no doubt be a welcomed development by Spurs supporters, Vertonghen’s presence makes the backline more cohesive. The partnership he forms with compatriot Alderweireld may not have an equal this Premier League season.
The fitness boost comes at an ideal time for title-chasing Tottenham. Getting every possible point from their final five matches will be critical if they are to have any hope of chasing down leaders Leicester. Their quest continues this Monday, April 18, against Stoke.
Here’s to good health, Jan.
