Cultured centre-back Jan Vertonghen - Toon-bound?
In a recent interview with Dutch website NUsport, this is what the 25-year old Belgian centre-back had to say:
“I have a choice. There’s something happening with Tottenham, but there are other clubs interested.”
“In England, there is a growing realisation that you can go far with good football. Arsenal started it and now you also see clubs like Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur playing good football”
“For me, it is important to get regular playing time. I also need a stable club”
If there is any club in the Premier League that could be referred to as ‘stable’, it’s Newcastle United. Hard to believe considering the club’s recent history, but I think it is a fair statement.
Both on and off the pitch, the club have performed admirably – with the odd exception off the pitch of course. But such is the state of things that we, the fans, are in a position to treat some of the club’s decisions, most notably the renaming of St. James’, as ones that we can live with rather than reasons to boycott the club. Regarding the re-naming of the ground, it’s current tag is temporary – one day the St. James’ Park plaque will be restored, I’m sure of it.
Unlike some of the top clubs, Newcastle are not saddled with monstrous debts and appear to have an owner who is not frivolous with his investments. Before, this may have dismayed a section of the Toon support who wanted to see big-money signings, but I think results on the pitch this season have shown what can be done with a little imagination.
We have a group of players who, as well as being individually talented, work excellently as a team. Importantly, they also seem happy and settled in the North-East. I would like to hope they realise they are playing for a true football club.
It seems to me like Jan Vertonghen shares the same values as players like Cabaye and Tiote, who for me, epitomise what a footballer should be. Players that think and are not immediately attracted to the bright lights of London and the big clubs. They understand the importance of playing football for the right club, not the biggest pay cheque.
Vertonghen would be a welcome addition and one that will help the club continue its remarkable progression.