Toby Alderweireld

Toby's immense, we'll instantly be worse off without him there's no doubting that, in his first season for us your statement would've seemed true as our defence went up a level but last season and this season, Jan stepped up to a whole new, especially this one, the best CB display over the course of a season I've seen since a fit Ledley King.

 

Not entirely true. Modric wanted to move to Chelsea when they bid £40m but we rejected it. He moved to Madrid the season after for £33m.

Berbatov only got his move to Utd in the end because City threatened to overtake the deal by offering our asking price, Utd then matched City's bid so he went there, it's very possible Utd may not have met our asking price if it weren't for City.

Personally I don't even know if Toby would wanna move to Utd unless it was the only option. Think he'd prefer Barca or Madrid (which local rumours round these parts reckon is where he'll go) but would settle for Utd as they could match his wage demands.

 

West Ham could meet his wage demands but apparently you won't,..hmm

 

Modric just wanted to leave to improve his prospects, I am pretty sure if Madrid had shown the interest Chelsea did at the same time they would have been his club of choice.
Berbatov got the move he wanted, yes we offered more than City but that should tell you something when he was still prepared to move to another team if we hadn't paid the "asking price". (was he really on the market at a set price?)

 

Never answered this bit, I agree with you mostly. Toby could have his pick of clubs if he wanted, I haven't really seen anything from our end to say we are after him though would be happy if we are.

 

I dare say that almost any PL club could pay his wages if they only had to pay £100,000 a match for their ground upkeep, policing, stewarding etc .

 

Yeah I'd agree with that but then you're somewhat contradicting your initial point by saying the players moved when they wanted, Modric didn't move when he originally wanted too otherwise he'd have been in a Chelsea shirt, luckily for him we done him a favour though as he got to move to a far bigger club in the end.

Berbatov only got his wish because of Man City. It wasn't as if we just gave in to his demands to allow his move to Utd. I doubt he was on the market per se but naturally every player has their price and up until City stepped in, Utd were refusing to meet whatever the valuation was at the time.

 

It seems as if most national papers are suggesting Utd are in pole position but there's just whispers round here that reckon it's Spain where he'll likely end up. No one knows for sure though I suppose.

He'll be off though one way or another. I'd be amazed if he's still with us after the transfer window shuts.

 

This situation is a prime example of why I think PL football has really gone to ****. It’s so ****ing ugly and not what football should be about.

 

Disagree.

You had to watch us regularly. The understanding between him and vertonghen was almost telepathic, they had it worked out perfectly. And their playing styles complimented each other too. They knew each other’s game inside out.

 

Wrong again.

Modric wanted off to the chavs and was told No.

 

Now the dust has settled I'm slightly disappointed we've stayed up... was already planning my away trips for next year

 

I agree they have a great understanding but that doesn't make him not as good as he's played exceptionally well alonside other defenders too. I think he's better than Vertonghen.

You conceded more this year without him didn't you?

 

Different players

if you watch regularly. Without going into all the pluses and negs. Veryonghen does things he can’t and vice versa. It’s one reason they compliment each other so well.?

Yes,we did. Blooding a new cb alongside Vertonghen was always going to take time. Plus the full back situation too, so it’s not all down to him being missing.

 

In his first season for us definitely. Last season and this season, Vertonghen has been the main man at the back. Both incredible CBs though.

Yeah we conceded more although we didn't have the same spine as last season. Last season we had an immense Wanyama and fully fit Dembele as well as obviously Toby at the back in a back five. This season we barely had Toby, Wanyama had a long term injury and never really recovered form and outside of Jan and Feb Dembele has been ****e, plus we played with a back four.

 

Well yes I get that but I'm saying that doesn't mean its right to make him out as too class cos he genuinely is. Again, it's not just Vertonghen he's excelled alongside.

 

Personally I think there is a good chance that he will go to United ... just a hunch.

 

I agree with your second paragraph for sure but Toby was very good last year too, this year he hasn't played much though.

 

Not sure about that.

They play together for their country too. Plus, as I say, if you watch they almost perfectly compliment each other. Each being able to do things the other can’t.

 

Yeah he was excellent last year as well but Vertonghen was marginally better.

Losing Toby will be tough for us, the only positive is that thankfully we've already got his replacement at the club in Dave Sanchez, obviously not as good just yet but he's had a blinding debut season with just a few wobbly moments which is to be expected for a 21 year old. Give that guy 2-3 years and he'll be on the radar of Barca/ Real etc. He's a seriously special talent, could well become better than both Toby and Jan if he continues to progress.