I seem to recall reading that he chose Saints because he was offered first team football whereas Wenger only offered him a place on the bench.... wow; was that a mistake!
Koeman was surprised we got him, but Toby said Ron was one of the reasons he came. Koeman then said subsequently that Alderweireld was very canny about his career (obviously didn't say canny ).
Tbf I think it is similar to Lovren last year, it is hard to judge just how good he would be at a team where he isn't protected by 2 DMs. Defensive records and prowess can be as much (if not more so) down to system as the players playing in it.
Unfortunately, I doubt that we'd publicize the offer if we were expecting it to be accepted in short order; it's a way of indicating that we're trying to tie him down while he continues to consider his options (and perhaps get supporters to demonstrate just how much they want him here).
That's an excellent point. Last season, Lovren was being protected by two of the best DMs in the PL. Saints still occasionally let in goals through the odd error, and when Lovren came back after injury he was responsible for several [Liverpool didn't take note]. The difference between Lovren and Alderweireld is that Toby can play CB either side, RB pretty well, LB at a push, and he's fine at DM too. Wouldn't mind betting he'd be a reasonable CM either. Toby has also played very well without the first line DM protection in front of him. Lovren is a poor man's John Terry, and while that's fine when he doesn't make errors, he's gone back to being the error strewn player that Lyon wanted to get shot of pretty damn quick. He should have stayed at Saints for a few seasons. £20M later, I'm glad he didn't.
I would think he has indicated a desire to stay here (subject to negotiations) or Saints wouldn't have approached Atletico (if indeed they have). Fans often think the club spend time placating fans, whereas I think, that although they don't want to piss us off, it is not a major issue in this case. We would be very disappointed if Toby left, but would hardly blame the club if Atletico or Toby didn't want it to happen.
I just hope it doesn't effect his playing for the time he's here at the moment, or him possibly deciding not to sign doesn't effect the others around him. AKA - unless he signs straight away, I'd rather do all this at the end of the season.
Toby seems an honourable person...he will do his best all the time he is here...no music-induced head turning for him.
For some reason I think he will sign for us permanently. He knows how valued he is here, is getting regular football, and will no doubt get a good contract.
Please God he signs...Can see him in an Arsenal jersey next season though On the other hand he seems pretty content at the moment. He's been our best player so far IMO
Strangely but outside of the Saints "family" he isn't get much press which is a really good thing He is as good a defender as I have seen in the EPL and pleased he is going un noticed which gives us more chance of getting him to sign as if one of the Big Boys turns up throwing £100k pw he will be off like a shot
If football manager is anything to go by in terms of salaries (and I'm informed it is normally quite accurate in this department) he is on £86k a week at Atletico
I really cannot see him being on anywhere near that considering we are paying his wages while he is on loan. Remember he came from the Eredivisie, and that league is renowned for having relatively lower wage structures and transfer fees than other European leagues.
That can't be true. If it is, then I can understand just why Atletico has a debt of around half a billion euros.
The impression I got from his interview in the program recently was that he was waiting for Atletico's decision. Which, if he's really on £86k a week, is understandable.
I've posted two comments to him, begging him to stay. Once on Instagram, once on twitter. That's as much as I can do. Please Toby!
