Jan Vertonghen (24, Ajax)
Vertonghen is from the Beerschot-Ajax production line, following in the footsteps of friend and international colleague Thomas Vermaelen. Vertonghen is the more flexible of the two: he’s played midfield and full back for Belgium, while cementing his position as centre back and captain for Ajax.
Ex-Belgium boss Dick Advocaat reckons that left midfield is Vertonghen’s best position. It looks very likely he’ll move in the summer. Newcastle United have shown interest but that does not look like the kind of move he would make. Arsenal have often been linked to the player and Spurs are said to fancy him at centre back; Barcelona have been following his progress for years.
He’s out of contract in 2013 and this time it does look like he’ll decide to try his luck elsewhere, come the summer window.
Have my doubts about him and not sure whether he's good enough for a Premier League top team. His transfer was expected long before and it will be interesting to see if a team is finally willing to pay.
Also: I rate Lombaerts higher than both Vertonghen and Vermaelen though he hardly gets half the attention.
Well Newcastle could be the ones playing champions league football next year not arsenal so who knows. Also Alan Pardew has made a reputation as of late of buying from outside of Britain.
@Jones: I think Vertonghen is good enough; it's a pity Ajax is no longer considered top level. He can play in many positions and would be excellent as an attacking central defender, cf Beckenbauer. I think he's chosen to stay at Ajax rather than having no suitors. Re Lombaerts, yes, a good player but I'd rate him behind the two ex-Beerschot players.
@Threadoflength: It's certainly more likely now than when I first wrote that last year, but I don't see it happening.
He was responsible for a ManU goal with a careless pass, but besides that I read he got a very good game.