Toby Alderweireld desperate for Tottenham return - and has advice for Cristian Romero | OneFootball

Spurs great is convinced he can do some good to help his former team

Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he would “do everything in his power” to try to turn things around at Spurs if he were asked to return.

Alderweireld played for Spurs for six years between 2015 and 2021, and was part of the Mauricio Pochettino side that challenged for multiple Premier League titles and reached the 2019 Champions League final.

The Belgian centre-back retired last summer and has watched from afar as Spurs have battled against relegation this season.

Spurs’ success under Pochettino was underscored by a young, ambitious core of players that included Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Harry Kane and Heung min-Son, among others.

Alderweireld feels it is this “down-to-earth” culture that Spurs need to lean back into, and he says he would happily come back to advise the club as they look to rebuild over the summer.

“Yeah, for sure [I would return]. It’s up to someone else to decide if I have the qualities and about the right position, but I would do everything in my power,” Alderweireld told The Times.

“I think I have good connections with the fans and the club. I know the club, I played there for six years.

“If Tottenham need help, I’m there, why not? I think the other guys would feel the same. We had a wonderful team at that time, that was our strength.

Toby Alderweireld was a recent guest of Spurs for the win over Atletico Madrid

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Alderweireld wants to “really build something” if he is to come back to north London.

Spurs, who could secure Premier League survival with just their second win in 36 years away to Chelsea on Tuesday, are in need of a cultural reset.

A distinct lack of leadership has been a major issue for Spurs, and Alderweireld admits that captain Cristian Romero, who has served multiple suspensions this season, has not led by example.

“I think he’s an unbelievable player, in moments,” Alderweireld added. “For example, with the red cards, you don’t help your team. When your team needs you, you need to be the captain steering the ship, not putting it in more trouble. He’s a very good player, but he should have done better in some situations.

“For me, centre-backs are players you need to count on, to be flawless, not crazy. Win your battles, be secure, that’s the number one. Long balls, passes between the lines, of course, that’s a plus, but the basic is to be secure.

“A captain has to be aware not to — I don’t say he’s causing trouble — but not to be a risk to himself. I call them trustful leaders. You need to be a calm person.”