When researching players for Watchlists or Scout Reports, the term “Product of the Ajax Youth Academy” always tends to pique your interest that little bit more. It almost serves as a seal of approval – an indication that the Dutch side’s finishing school has helped refine their talent from an early age, affording them a versatility and extra edge on their Premier League counterparts. Such is the case with Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen.
Despite being linked with the likes of Barcelona this summer, the Belgian opted for White Hart Lane and arrived in London having captained the Amsterdam outfit to the Eredivisie title last term. Vertonghen also picked up the Dutch Footballer of the Year Award for 2011/12 after grabbing eight goals in 31 league appearances and has quickly established himself as a crucial component of the new-look Spurs under Andre Villas-Boas.
There’s no denying it was a slow start for Vertonghen this season. The opening three Gameweeks returned a mere three Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points as the London outfit struggled to adjust to a change in system and personnel, with a host of new arrivals taking time to gel. Three back-to-back Premier League wins, including last weekend’s 3-2 triumph at Old Trafford, however, have persuaded plenty Fantasy managers that Spurs are now a viable source of points once again and with his opener against United following on from a goal in the Capital One Cup win at Carlisle three days earlier, Vertonghen’s keen eye for goal has come to the fore.
His aforementioned versatility offers Villas-Boas plenty options, too. Fielded at left-back in the last couple of matches, Vertonghen’s shift from the centre has afforded Steven Caulker a chance alongside William Gallas in the heart of defence as the Londoners plug the gap caused by injuries to Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Naughton.
With a couple of FPL bonus points also accrued last weekend, the Belgian, with a mere 2.9% ownership, is shaping up to be a handy differential over the next four Gameweeks. Priced at 6.4 in FPL and 7.4 in the Sky Sports game, Vertonghen is now handed three home matches in the next four (AVL, CHE, sou, WIG) to continue his recent resurgence – if he can replicate his returns in the previous campaign in Amsterdam, we may have ourselves a viable contender to the likes of Thomas Vermaelen and Leighton Baines as our principle Fantasy defender.
