Toby Alderweireld exclusive: 'Luka Vuskovic can be a Tottenham great, he reminds me of Jan Vertonghen'

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Evening Standard

·8 giugno 2026

Toby Alderweireld exclusive: 'Luka Vuskovic can be a Tottenham great, he reminds me of Jan Vertonghen'

Young defender has a huge future ahead of him, and ex-player hopes it is at Spurs

Much is expected of the young centre-back, who was signed nearly three years ago but is yet to play a competitive game for the club having been sent out on loan. Vuskovic, who has four years to on his contract, has most recently enjoyed a hugely beneficial loan spell at Hamburg, who saw him named in the Bundesliga’s team of the season.

Such form has reportedly prompted interest from across Europe, to throw Vuskovic’s future at Spurs into doubt. The player himself has made no secret of his desire to remain on loan at Hamburg so he can player with his brother, whose doping ban end in November.

Spurs are yet to decide on their plans for player, though are working on deals to sign fellow centre-back Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

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Toby Alderweireld and Luka Vuskovic

London Standard

Alderweireld, who was one of the Premier League’s best defenders during his six years in north London, is among Vuskovic’s admirers, and tipped him to emulate his former team-mate Vertonghen.

”I played against Luka Vuskovic in Belgium when he played for Westerlo. I think he's physically very strong for his age, so that's a positive. He will only get stronger and stronger. I didn't see a lot of games from him, but of course, if you're in the team of the year playing for Hamburg, it means you're doing well.

“Maybe he can do the pre-season [with Spurs] and show his qualities. But he's young, so if it's not this season, in the future he will definitely get a good chance to prove himself, get a regular start in the first team.

He's more than just a defender. He scores all of the goals, and he's good with passing as well ... he's not a typical defender

Toby Alderweireld on Luka Vuskovic

“He will get the opportunity, of course, it's up to him to take the chances or not, but he has everything to become an unbelievable centre-back. He’s strong, quick, good with his feet, even in the attacking box of the opponent, he can win some headers, score some goals, he's a very all-round complete defender.”

Alderweireld added: “He's more than just a defender. He scores all of the goals, and he's good with passing as well ... he's not a typical defender, not only a no-nonsense defender. He has a lot more qualities about him. [I would compare him to] Jan Vertonghen. He's also good with things other than only defending with his head.”

Toby Alderweireld was speaking exclusively to the London Standard in association with BOYLE Sports 2 Goals Ahead. The early payout offer allows fans to back a team and if they go 2 goals up at any point during a 90 minute match (e.g 2-0, 3-1, 4-2), BOYLE Sports will immediately settle as a winning bet, no matter the final result. Go to BOYLE Sports for more.