Where Is Jan Vertonghen Now?
Jan Vertonghen, a professional football player from Belgium, has established a reputation for himself as one of the league’s top defenders. Born on April 24, 1987, in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, Vertonghen began his professional career with the Dutch club Ajax in 2006. He rapidly became a vital member of the Amsterdam-based team, and in 2009, he was selected for the Eredivisie Team of the Year.
The Rise of Jan Vertonghen in Football
Vertonghen’s success at Ajax earned him a move to the English Premier League, where he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. At Spurs, he became a mainstay in the starting lineup, earning plaudits for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and excellent distribution skills. Vertonghen spent eight years with the team, playing more than 300 games. In 2019, he assisted the group in reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
In addition to his club success, Vertonghen has also been a critical player for the Belgian national team. Since making his debut on the international stage in 2007, he has earned more than 100 caps for his nation. Vertonghen played a crucial role in Belgium’s strong performances at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championships, where the Red Devils reached the quarter-finals.
A Sneak-Peak at His Unmatched Skills
One of the standout features of Vertonghen’s game is his versatility. He is equally comfortable playing as a center-back or a left-back and has been known to drop into a defensive midfield role when required. This versatility, combined with his physical attributes and technical ability, make him a valuable asset for any team.
Despite his success at both club and international levels, Vertonghen has faced criticism from some quarters. Some fans and commentators have questioned his decision-making, particularly when it comes to challenges in dangerous areas. However, these criticisms are vastly outweighed by the many positive aspects of his game, and it is clear that he is held in high regard by his peers and coaches.
Charting the Career Changes of Jan Vertonghen
In August 2020, Vertonghen left Tottenham and joined Portuguese club Benfica on a two-year deal. The move marked a new chapter in the Belgian’s career, and he has quickly established himself as a critical player for the Lisbon-based club. Vertonghen assisted Benfica in their first season to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, where Arsenal defeated them.
Off the pitch, Vertonghen is known for his engaging personality and love of music. He has been spotted at concerts by bands such as Arctic Monkeys and The Killers and is a big fan of indie and alternative rock. He is also a keen gamer and can often play video games during his downtime.
Where Is Jan Vertonghen Now?
After agreeing to have his contract with Benfica terminated, Vertonghen joined Belgian club Anderlecht on a free transfer on September 2, 2022.
Wrap up
Jan Vertonghen is a top-class defender who has significantly impacted both the club and international stages. His versatility, physicality, and technical ability make him a valuable asset for any team, and his love of the game is plain to see. Despite the occasional criticism, there is no doubt that Vertonghen is one of the best defenders of his generation and will continue to be a key player for years to come.
