Jan Vertonghen Explained

Jan Vertonghen
Full Name:Jan Bert Lieve Vertonghen[1]
Birth Date:24 April 1987[2]
Birth Place:Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
Height:1.89 m[3]
Position:Centre-back, left-back
Currentclub:Anderlecht
Clubnumber:14
Youthyears1:1997–2000
Youthclubs1:VK Tielrode
Youthyears2:2000–2003
Youthclubs2:Germinal Beerschot
Youthyears3:2003–2006
Youthclubs3:Ajax
Years1:2006–2012
Clubs1:Ajax
Caps1:155
Goals1:23
Years2:2006–2007
Clubs2:RKC Waalwijk (loan)
Caps2:12
Goals2:3
Years3:2012–2020
Clubs3:Tottenham Hotspur
Caps3:232
Goals3:6
Years4:2020–2022
Clubs4:Benfica
Caps4:57
Goals4:0
Years5:2022–
Clubs5:Anderlecht
Caps5:74
Goals5:5
Nationalyears1:2002
Nationalteam1:Belgium U16
Nationalcaps1:6
Nationalgoals1:1
Nationalyears2:2006–2009
Nationalteam2:Belgium U21
Nationalcaps2:23
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2007–2024
Nationalteam3:Belgium
Nationalcaps3:157
Nationalgoals3:10
Club-Update:23:13, 4 August 2024 (UTC)

Jan Bert Lieve Vertonghen (born 24 April 1987) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Pro League club Anderlecht. Mainly a centre-back, he can also play as a left-back.

Vertonghen began his senior career at Dutch club Ajax in 2006 and totalled 220 games and 28 goals for them across all competitions, serving as their captain from 2011 to 2012. He won two Eredivisie and two KNVB Cup titles during his time at the club, and in 2012 he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. Vertonghen transferred to Tottenham Hotspur in July 2012, and made the PFA Team of the Year in his first Premier League season. He made 315 appearances for Spurs over eight years, as well as reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, and was named the club's Player of the Year in 2018. After spending two seasons with Portuguese club Benfica, he joined Anderlecht in 2022. At 37, he is currently their oldest serving outfield player, surpassing club icon Olivier Deschacht.

Vertonghen made his international debut for Belgium in 2007 and his 157 caps (including three unofficial games, according to FIFA rules) are the most in the history of the national team.[4] He was part of Belgian squads that came fourth at the 2008 Olympics, third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and reached the quarter-finals at UEFA Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. On 5 July 2024, after 17 years and a record 157 caps for Belgium, Vertonghen announced his retirement from international football.[5]

Early life

Vertonghen was born in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, to Ria Mattheeuws and Paul Vertonghen.[6] [7] He has two brothers, Ward and Lode; both have played football.[6]

Club career

Ajax

After spending time at VK Tielrode and Germinal Beerschot, Vertonghen moved to the Netherlands and signed a contract with the youth academy of Eredivisie side AFC Ajax. He began as a midfielder but then became a regular at centre-back for Ajax.[8] During his time in the reserves, he became known for an incident in a 2006 KNVB Cup game against Cambuur Leeuwarden, his first home game at the Amsterdam Arena, where he scored a goal to put Ajax 3–0 up. He had attempted a back pass to the Cambuur goalkeeper while a teammate was receiving treatment but instead the ball went into the goal. Since it was unintentional, Ajax allowed Cambuur to score a goal in return.[9] On 23 August 2006, Vertonghen made his first team debut in the Champions League third qualifying round against Copenhagen. He made his first start and Eredivisie debut in a 6–0 win over Willem II at the Amsterdam Arena and would play another two matches for the first half of the season.

Loan to RKC

After the winter break of the 2006–07 season, he was sent on loan to struggling RKC Waalwijk for the remainder of the season. At RKC, he would play 12 matches in which he scored three times, but he was unable to help the team avoid relegation to the Eerste Divisie. One of his goals with RKC Waalwijk was against his parent club, Ajax, in a 2–2 draw, which eventually let Ajax finish second in the league on only one goal difference with PSV.[10]

Breakthrough at Ajax

Vertonghen returned to Ajax for the 2007–08 season, where he was tipped for stardom, but was unable to break through due to a severe injury and the presence of central defenders John Heitinga and Thomas Vermaelen. Johan Cruyff had made no secret of his admiration for the left-footed youngster who can handle any left-sided position in defence and midfield, opting, on 26 September 2008, to extend his contract to 30 June 2013.

The 2008–09 season was a breakthrough season for the young defender. After John Heitinga left for Atlético Madrid, Vertonghen became Thomas Vermaelen's first-choice partner in central defence; the former started 23 of the 26 games he played in and scored four goals. On 28 September, he scored a rare double against Vitesse in a 3–0 win. Although sustaining an injury from training during the week, he played in the match against Groningen on 24 January, billed as a "must-win" match by coach Marco van Basten;[11] Vertonghen was unfortunate enough to be sent off for two yellow cards as Ajax lost 1–0. He was out for a month after sustaining a hamstring injury in an away win on 1 March against Utrecht, but his return lasted only several games after his season was prematurely ended after aggravating another injury.

Rising importance under Jol

Under new coach Martin Jol, Vertonghen retained his place in the starting line-up for the 2009–10 season. Despite injuring his toe while on international duty against Spain the previous week, he scored his first goal of the season, a free kick, in a 6–0 thrashing of NAC Breda on 13 September.[12] With the departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Arsenal, he and fellow Belgian Toby Alderweireld become the first choice centre-back pairing and soon became a firm fans' favourite.[13] Despite Ajax's erratic form in the latter weeks leading up to the winter break, he turned in some strong performances and attracted the interest of a number of clubs, including Barcelona, but he played down the rumours, stating his intent to at least see out his contract with Ajax.[14] [15]

After the winter break, Ajax went on a nine-game unbeaten streak in the league, with Vertonghen playing a key role. Their run of six consecutive clean sheets was ended in a 4–1 home win over PSV when the visiting side were awarded a penalty. Vertonghen was linked with a move to Newcastle United, and later he was also linked with Milan, stating, "I've heard Milan Director Adriano Galliani talk about me after the Champions League match in San Siro and his words were very flattering."[16]

Vertonghen stated on numerous occasions late in the 2010–11 season that he was considering leaving Ajax at the end of that season.[17] [18] In May 2011, Frank de Boer confirmed Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was present at the 2011 KNVB Cup Final held on 7 May 2011, where Vertonghen's side lost 3–2 to Twente.[19] Mancini was reportedly scouting Vertonghen to strengthen his side after they had qualified for the UEFA Champions League 2011–12 campaign.[20]

Breakthrough under De Boer

During the 2011–12 Eredivisie season, Vertonghen emerged as one of Ajax's best players, demonstrating his versatility to cover multiple positions after Ajax had let several regular players out on long-term loans. After an impressive season, including a performance for which he was singled out for praise against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, he was named the 2011–12 Eredivisie Player of the Year. Named team captain by Frank de Boer, he led his Ajax to their second title in a row, scoring eight goals in 31 league games, highlighting his attacking strengths. Also, for the second time, he dropped the Championship plate. "Now it falls on my toe – this plate just does not like me," Vertonghen said.[21]

Tottenham Hotspur

2012–13 season

Throughout the 2011–12 season, Vertonghen was linked with English club Tottenham Hotspur and publicly expressed his desire to make the move to White Hart Lane ahead of numerous other teams. A key factor in this was his desire to play as a centre-back, with Arsenal wanting to use him as a defensive midfielder. On 8 July 2012, Tottenham agreed a fee and terms for Vertonghen subject to a medical. On 12 July, Tottenham announced that they had officially completed the signing of Vertonghen, for an amount around 12 million Euros, after he successfully completed his medical.[22] [23] Vertonghen took part in his first game as a Tottenham player in a 3–2 friendly win against Brentford on 14 July, then later scored his first goal for the club on 26 September in a 3–0 win against Carlisle United in the third round of the Football League Cup.[24]

Vertonghen scored his first Premier League goal against Manchester United in a historic 2–3 win at Old Trafford, although this was later ruled to be an own goal by Jonny Evans.[25] He scored in the league for Tottenham on 16 December, the only goal of the game, in a win at White Hart Lane against Swansea City.[26] Vertonghen then scored a brace in a losing effort against Liverpool on 10 March. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for March 2013, making himself the second Belgian and the 12th Spurs player to win the award.[27] On 11 April 2013, Vertonghen was sent-off against Basel during Tottenham's Europa League quarter-final second leg. Tottenham went on to lose the tie 4–1 on penalties after a 4–4 draw on aggregate.[28] Vertonghen was named in the 2012–13 PFA Team of the Year, alongside Rio Ferdinand, Leighton Baines and Pablo Zabaleta in defence.[29]

2013–14 season

During a League Cup match with Aston Villa in September, Villa striker Nicklas Helenius gained notoriety when Vertonghen pulled down his shorts while he shot on goal, which revealed his briefs.[30] After an incident the following game with Chelsea which got Fernando Torres sent off, Chelsea coach José Mourinho thought that Vertonghen should not have been playing because of the Helenius incident which he said that Vertonghen left the striker "naked".[31]

2014–15 season

At the start of the 2014–15 season, Vertonghen appeared to be out of favour with new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine gave Vertonghen limited games, preferring Younès Kaboul and Federico Fazio. However, Kaboul lost his place to Vertonghen, who formed an effective partnership with Fazio. Together, the pair, over the span of 15 games, celebrated 11 wins and only suffered one loss. Vertonghen helped Spurs to reach the 2015 League Cup Final and started the game on 1 March 2015, but Tottenham lost to rival club Chelsea at Wembley Stadium 2–0.[32]

2015–16 season

Vertonghen was joined in defence by former Ajax teammate and compatriot Alderweireld at the start of the 2015–16 season. Over the first ten games of the season, Vertonghen and Alderweireld played ten out of the opening ten games together, with Spurs suffering only one loss during the span. In late January 2016, he damaged his medial knee-ligament and did not play for 11 weeks. He returned in the home match against Manchester United on 10 April 2016, which finished in a 3–0 win, the first home league win for Tottenham against Manchester United since 2001.[33] His partnership with Alderweireld in the defence was recognised as being crucial for the club which had the joint-lowest number of goals conceded in the Premier League that season.[34]

2016–17 season

On 2 December 2016, Vertonghen signed a new contract with Tottenham until 2019.[35] However, in mid January 2017, Vertonghen suffered an ankle ligament injury that would see him out of action for five weeks.[36] He returned to the team on 19 February in the fifth round FA Cup match against Fulham at Craven Cottage.[37] This season, Vertonghen was part of the Tottenham defence that achieved the best defensive record for the club, with only 26 goals conceded in the Premier League (and only 9 conceded in home league games), 6 better than the previous record of 32 conceded that was set in the 1908–09 season in the Second Division.[38] He was considered then one of the best defenders in the Premier League.[39] [40]

2017–18 season

On 7 January 2018, Vertonghen scored his first goal for the club since October 2013, a 30-yard strike in the 3–0 win over Wimbledon in the third round of the 2017–18 FA Cup.[41] This season, he made 36 appearances out of the 38 Premier League games, as well six in the UEFA Champions League, and five in the cups.[42]

2018–19 season

In the opening game of the 2018–19 season against Newcastle United, Vertonghen scored Tottenham's first goal of the season 8 minutes into the game, helping the team to a 2–1 win.[43] However, he suffered a hamstring injury in the game against Huddersfield on 29 September, and was out for two months,[44] returning to the starting lineup in the Champions League game against Inter Milan in late November.[45] His contract with Tottenham was extended to 2020 in December 2018.[46] In the last 16 round home game against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Vertonghen played in the less familiar position of left wing back, scoring one goal and providing one assist in a game that finished 3–0. He received wide praise for his performance in this game,[47] [48] [49] and he was named the Champions League Player of the Week by UEFA.[50]

In the match against Ajax in the semifinal of the Champions League, he suffered a head injury after clashing his head with Toby Alderweireld.[51] [52] He returned to play in the leg in Amsterdam wearing a protective mask, and helped the team to a dramatic win against Ajax that sent Tottenham to their first Champions League final.[53] [54] Vertonghen later revealed that the collision left him with symptoms of concussion such as dizziness and headaches for nine months afterwards, which affected his performance in the following and final season with Tottenham.[55]

2019–20 season

In the 2019–20 season, Vertonghen scored a late goal also as the winning goal, his first of the season, in the away game against Wolverhampton Wanderers to snatch a 2–1 win.[56] On 26 December 2019, he made his 300th Tottenham appearance in a 2–1 home comeback win over Brighton & Hove Albion.[57] Vertonghen's contract was originally set to expire on 30 June 2020, but was extended to the end of the 2019–20 campaign due to the stoppage related to COVID-19. He became a free agent after the club's last game of the season against Crystal Palace.[58] Vertonghen did not appear in the match.

Benfica

On 14 August 2020, Benfica announced the signing of the 33-year old on a three-year deal.[59] He made his debut on 15 September away to Greece's PAOK FC in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, a 2–1 loss in a one-leg match where he scored an own goal.[60] Three days later he played for the first time in the Primeira Liga, a 5–1 win at F.C. Famalicão in the season opener.[61] On 3 December 2020, Vertonghen scored his first goal for Benfica in a home match against Lech Poznan in the group stage of the Europa League.[62]

Anderlecht

On 2 September 2022, Vertonghen signed with Belgian club Anderlecht On a free transfer, after he and Benfica agreed to the termination of his contract.[63]

Vertonghen made his debut for Anderlecht on 7 August 2022, in a 2-2 home draw against OH Leuven in the Belgian Pro League.

He scored his first goal for Anderlecht on 18 September 2022, in a Belgian Pro League match against KV Kortrijk He scored with a powerful header, contributing to a 4-1 home win.

Jan Vertonghen first wore the captain's armband for Anderlecht on October 23 2022, during a Belgian Pro League match against fierce rivals Standard de Liège in the Belgian Clasico, at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne .The match was abandoned due to flares being thrown by the away supporters after the hosts went 3-1 up. Vertonghen stepped in as captain due to the absence of the regular captain, Hendrik Van Crombrugge .

Vertonghen was named captain ahead of the 2023–24 season, his second with the club.[64]

On December 11, 2023, Jan Vertonghen made his 50th appearance for Anderlecht in a 1-1 away draw against KAA Gent, at the Planet Group Arena.

On 5 May, 2024, in a 0-0 Belgian Pro League Champions’ Playoffs match in the Brussels Derby against R. Union Saint-Gilloise, Vertonghen picked up a groin injury, sidelining him for the rest of the season. His absence was an integral part of Anderlecht losing the title to rivals Club Brugge KV.

On 18 July 2024, Vertonghen signed a one-year extension with Anderlecht. [65]

International career

Vertonghen represented Belgium at under-21 level in beginning in 2006 and played in the 2007 UEFA Under-21 Championship.

On 2 June 2007, he made his senior debut for the national team in a 2–1 home loss against Portugal in UEFA Euro 2008 qualification. At the end of the game he was fouled by substitute striker Hugo Almeida, who was sent off.[66] Vertonghen was also selected for the 2008 Olympics and played in every match as the Belgians unexpectedly took fourth place.

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, he began to establish himself as a regular for Belgium, initially at centre-back as former Ajax teammate Thomas Vermaelen's partner. He scored the opening goal, also his first ever international goal,[67] in an August 2009 friendly against the Czech Republic that ended in a 3–1 loss. On 7 September 2009, in a World Cup qualifying away match against Spain, he injured his toe and had to be stretchered off and substituted in the 29th minute of a 5–0 loss.[68] He often played at left-back as Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany were the preferred pairing in central defence.[69] He was back in the starting eleven for the friendly against Hungary, a 3–0 win,[70] and the 1–0 loss to Croatia the following March.

On 13 May 2014, Vertonghen was named in Belgium's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[71] In the team's opening match against Algeria, the African side was awarded a penalty after Vertonghen pulled down Sofiane Feghouli and received a yellow card. Feghouli scored for Algeria from the penalty spot, but Belgium came back to win 2–1.[72] He was then replaced by Thomas Vermaelen in the starting line-up for the second match against Russia on 22 June.[73] After 31 minutes, however, Vermaelen was taken off with an injury and replaced by Vertonghen.[73] In the final group match, Vertonghen captained the team and scored the winning goal as Belgium beat South Korea 1–0.[74]

Early in the 2014–15 season, Vertonghen knocked a child unconscious with a misplaced shot during a training session with the Belgian squad.[75] In 2016, he injured two ligaments in his ankle in an accident while training before the quarter-final against Wales during UEFA Euro 2016, and as a result missed the match that Belgium lost.[76]

Eleven years to the day on from his international debut, against the same opposition (Portugal), Vertonghen won his 100th cap (the first in Belgian history), which was presented to him by his mother.[77]

At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Vertonghen initiated the scoring in Belgium's second-half comeback from a 2–0 deficit against Japan, heading into the far post from 20 yards out as his side went on to win 3–2.[78]

Vertonghen was called up to Belgium's squads for UEFA Euro 2020,[79] in which they reached the quarter-finals, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup,[80] in which they were eliminated in the group stage.

On 28 May 2024, Vertonghen was called up to Belgium's squad for UEFA Euro 2024.[81] He scored an own goal in their 1–0 defeat to France in the round of 16.[82]

Vertonghen announced his retirement from international football on 5 July 2024, ending his Belgium career with a record 157 appearances across seventeen years.[83]

Career statistics

Club

[84] [85]

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Ajax2006–07Eredivisie3000300060
2007–08Eredivisie312301020372
2008–09Eredivisie2642071355
2009–10Eredivisie32370100493
2010–11Eredivisie3266113100518
2011–12Eredivisie3183280004210
Total155232134222022028
RKC Waalwijk (loan)2006–07Eredivisie12310133
Tottenham Hotspur2012–13Premier League3441021121496
2013–14Premier League230002081331
2014–15Premier League320206070470
2015–16Premier League290000040330
2016–17Premier League330300060420
2017–18Premier League360411060471
2018–19Premier League2211010101342
2019–20Premier League231410030302
Total232615212156331512
Benfica2020–21Primeira Liga28030109110421
2021–22Primeira Liga2803020130460
2022–23Primeira Liga100010
Total570603022110891
Anderlecht2022–23Belgian Pro League24110111362
2023–24Belgian Pro League34320363
2024–25Belgian Pro League20000020
Total60430111745
Career total5163646515113173071149

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year

!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals

Belgium200760
200870
200971
201070
201181
201292
2013100
2014131
201591
2016130
201792
2018121
201980
202050
2021130
202290
202381
202440
Total15710

Belgium score listed first, score column indicates score after each Vertonghen goal.[86]

List of international goals scored by Jan Vertonghen
scope=colNo.scope=colDatescope=colVenuescope=colCapscope=colOpponentscope=colScorescope=colResultscope=colCompetition
112 August 2009Na Stínadlech, Teplice, Czech Republic151–3 1–3Friendly
229 March 2011King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium304–1 4–1UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
315 August 2012King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium394–2 4–2Friendly
47 September 2012Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales402–0 2–02014 FIFA World Cup qualification
526 June 2014Arena Corinthians, Paulo, Brazil581–0 1–02014 FIFA World Cup
613 November 2015King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium741–1 3–1Friendly
73 September 2017Karaiskakis Stadium, Athens, Greece921–0 2–12018 FIFA World Cup qualification
87 October 2017Stadion Grbavica, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina933–24–32018 FIFA World Cup qualification
92 July 2018Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia1051–23–22018 FIFA World Cup
1012 September 2023Koning Boudewijnstadion, Brussels, Belgium1501–05–0UEFA Euro 2024 qualification

Honours

Ajax

2010–11, 2011–12[87]

2006–07, 2009–10[87]

Tottenham Hotspur

Benfica

2022–23[89]

Belgium

Individual

2007–08[91]

2012[93]

2012[94]

2012–13 Premier League,[29] 2017–18 Premier League[95]

March 2013[96]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vol beloften: Jan Vertonghen . Full of promises: Jan Vertonghen . AFC Ajax . 25 October 2005 . nl . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165447/http://www.ajax.nl/Ajax-Nieuws/Ajax-nieuwsarchief/Ajax-nieuwsartikel/43758/Vol-Beloften-Jan-Vertonghen.htm . 14 July 2014.
  2. Web site: FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of players: Belgium . FIFA . 3 . 15 July 2018 . 11 June 2019 . 30 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180730202943/https://www.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_Squadlists.pdf . dead .
  3. Web site: Jan Vertonghen - Benfica . 31 March 2022 . 19 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220419223829/https://www.slbenfica.pt/pt-pt/futebol/plantel-principal/Vertonghen?season=21-22 . dead .
  4. Web site: 12 September 2023 . Jan Vertonghen staat voor 150e interland: "Aan de 201 stuks van Ronaldo zal ik niet geraken" . Jan Vertonghen faces 150th international match: "I will not reach Ronaldo's 201" . . nl.
  5. Web site: 5 July 2024 . Vertonghen retires from international football . FIFA. en.
  6. News: Exclusive interview: Jan Vertonghen spurred on by Tottenham's fight . Wallace . Sam . 15 December 2012 . The Independent . 24 December 2016.
  7. News: Spurs Star's Mother Admits White Hart Lane Exit Could Be Close Due to 'Homesickness' Issues. Flavius. Kavan. 21 December 2016. 90min.com. 24 December 2016. 25 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161225182022/http://www.90min.com/posts/4304829-spurs-star-s-mother-admits-white-hart-lane-exit-could-be-close-due-to-homesickness-issues. dead.
  8. News: Jan Vertonghen tevreden met positie bij Ajax. Voetbal Centraal. 12 November 2009. nl.
  9. News: Gatorade Cup: Young Ajax beat Cambuur in memorable game. Ajax USA. 20 September 2005.
  10. Web site: 10 times loanees haunted their parent club: Coutinho, Vertonghen… . planetfootball.com . 15 August 2020 .
  11. News: Preview: FC Groningen vs Ajax Amsterdam. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604113031/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=249496&cc=3888&league=NED.1. dead. 4 June 2011. ESPN Soccernet. 25 January 2009.
  12. News: Match Report: Ajax Amsterdam vs NAC Breda. ESPN Soccernet. 13 September 2009. 27 October 2009. 19 October 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121019223058/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=271828&cc=3888&league=NED.1. dead.
  13. News: Jol: 'Vertonghen is een echte Hollander'. Gazet van Antwerpen. 26 September 2009. 27 October 2009. nl.
  14. News: Jan Vertonghen in beeld bij FC Barcelona. De Pers. 17 February 2010. nl. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100224031455/http://www.depers.nl/sport/441704/Vertonghen-in-beeld-bij-Bar%C3%A7a.html. 24 February 2010.
  15. News: Guardiola estaría siguiendo a Vertonghen. Sport. 16 February 2010. es.
  16. Web site: Vertonghen linked to Milan. Goal-arena.com. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110216043647/http://goal-arena.com/2011/02/vertonghen-linked-to-milan/. 16 February 2011.
  17. News: Vertonghen weighing up move . Sky Sports . 4 February 2011. 22 May 2011.
  18. News: Ajax star targets Prem switch . Sky Sports . 8 May 2011.
  19. News: City keep eye on Vertonghen. 13 May 2011. Sky Sports.
  20. News: City scout Belgian trio. 10 May 2011. ESPN Soccernet. 10 May 2011. 24 October 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121024215954/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/918003/man-city-scout-jan-vertonghen,-axel-witsel-and-kevin-de-bruyne?cc=5901. dead.
  21. Web site: Season review: Netherlands. by Berend Scholten on UEFA.com. 22 May 2012.
  22. Web site: Jan Vertonghen completes Tottenham move from Ajax. BBC Sport . 12 July 2012 . 14 August 2016.
  23. Web site: Tottenham on the verge of completing transfer of Jan Vertonghen. The Guardian . 8 July 2012 . 31 January 2018.
  24. Web site: Carlisle 0–3 Tottenham . BBC Sport . 26 September 2012 . 29 September 2012.
  25. http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/261615/report "Spurs end United hoodoo"
  26. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/2012-2013/tottenham-hotspur-swansea-city-515473.html "Premier League – Vertonghen strike sinks Swansea"
  27. News: Vertonghen and Moyes win Barclays awards. Barclays Premier League. 5 April 2013. 21 June 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130729045920/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2012-13/apr/david-moyes-and-jan-vertonghen-win-barclays-march-awards.html. 29 July 2013.
  28. Web site: FC Basel 2–2 Tottenham (agg 4–4). BBC Sport. 11 April 2013.
  29. News: Gareth Bale wins PFA Player of Year and Young Player awards . BBC Sport . 28 April 2013 . 5 May 2018.
  30. Web site: Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham | Capital One Cup third-round match report. TheGuardian.com. 24 September 2013.
  31. News: Jose Mourinho Jan Vertonghen Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur. Kick off.
  32. News: Chelsea 2–0 Tottenham Hotspur . Phil . McNulty . BBC Sport . 1 March 2015 . 15 December 2017.
  33. News: Tottenham star: Why Manchester United win was easy . James . Gray. 13 April 2016 . Sunday Express.
  34. Web site: THE Big Interview- Jan Vertonghen. 12 April 2016 . Tottenham Hotspur.
  35. News: Jan Vertonghen signs new deal with Tottenham until 2019. The Guardian. 2 December 2016. 8 December 2016.
  36. News: Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen facing up to two months out with ankle injury . Dominic . Fifield. 17 January 2017 . The Guardian .
  37. News: Jan Vertonghen targeting Europa League and FA Cup trophies this season as Tottenham get back in the groove . Jack. Pitt-Brooke . 20 February 2017 . The Independent .
  38. Web site: 2016–17 in Numbers – New Defensive Records. 2 June 2017 . Tottenham Hotspur .
  39. Web site: Football365's top ten defenders of the season . 26 April 2017 . Football365 .
  40. Web site: Arsenal beware: How Jan Vertonghen has become the Premier League's best centre-back. Metro . Ewan . Roberts . 17 November 2017 .
  41. News: Harry Kane is back among the goals as Spurs dispatch Wimbledon . 7 January 2018. ITV.
  42. Web site: Jan Vertonghen . Tottenham Hotspur F.C..
  43. News: Tottenham Hotspur news: Jan Vertonghen claims he has been converted to goal-line technology after Newcastle win . 12 August 2018 . talkSport.
  44. News: Jan Vertonghen: Injured Tottenham defender expected to be out until December. BBC Sport . 11 October 2018.
  45. News: Christian Eriksen pounces to give Spurs crucial victory over Internazionale . David . Hytner. 28 November 2018 . The Guardian.
  46. News: Jan Vertonghen: Tottenham extend Belgian defender's deal. 18 December 2018 . BBC Sport .
  47. News: Tottenham vs Dortmund: In praise of Jan Vertonghen, Mauricio Pochettino's unlikely match-winner . Luke . Brown. 14 February 2019 . The Independent .
  48. Web site: Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer rave about Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen on Twitter . Dan . Coombs . 13 February 2019 . HITC.
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  54. News: Tottenham into Champions League final after Lucas Moura seals another English miracle . Jason . Burt. Alan. Tyers. 9 May 2019 . The Telegraph .
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  56. News: Jan Vertonghen's injury-time winner gives Spurs victory over Wolves . Tumaini . Carayol . 15 December 2019 . The Guardian.
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  74. News: South Korea 0–1 Belgium. 26 June 2014. 27 June 2014. BBC Sport.
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  76. News: Jan Vertonghen ruled out of Euro 2016 after tearing ankle ligaments . 30 June 2016 . The Guardian.
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  80. Web site: Roberto Martinez selects 26 Devils for the World Cup. Royal Belgian Football Association. 10 November 2022. 2 July 2024.
  81. News: 28 May 2024. 25 Devils go to EURO 2024. Royal Belgian Football Association. 1 July 2024.
  82. Web site: France 1–0 Belgium: Own goal sends Les Bleus into quarter-finals. UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 1 July 2024. 2 July 2024.
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  89. Web site: Benfica crowned champions of Portugal. PortuGOAL. Kundert. Tom. 27 May 2023. 27 May 2023.
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  91. News: En de Ajax speler van het jaar 2008 is... . AjaxShowtime.nl. 23 December 2008 . 25 June 2019.
  92. News: Vertonghen Ajacied van het jaar . Ajax.nl. 3 May 2012 . 25 June 2019.
  93. News: Jan Vertonghen 'Voetballer van het Jaar' in Nederland . HLN.be. 7 May 2012 . 25 June 2019.
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  95. News: Manchester City players dominate PFA team of the year . BBC Sport . 18 April 2018 . 5 May 2018.
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  99. Web site: IFFHS All Time Belgium Dream Team . 16 January 2022 . www.iffhs.com.