Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen is a left-footed centre back who is happy playing in left midfield and often joins in the attack being a good runner and crosser of the ball and possessing a powerful shot.

He was captain of Ajax and in 2012, he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. Following his move to Tottenham, in March 2013, he won Premier League Player of the Month.

Jan began his career at VK Tielrode and Germinal Beerschot, before joining the famous Ajax youth academy.

On 23 August 2006, he made his first team debut against Copenhagen in the Champions League third qualifying round. He went out on loan to RKC Waalwijk returing fo the 2006-07 season, but injury limited his opportunities until the 2008–09 season.

He became Vermaelen's usual partner in central defence and he played 26 games including 23 in the starting line-up. Jan emerged as one of Ajax's best players, being linked to a number of clubs who were interested in him, and being named the 2011–12 Eredivisie Player of the Year. As team captain he led Ajax to their second title in a row.

On 8 July 2012, Jan finally agreed to move to Tottenham Hotspur with his debut in a friendly against Brentford on 14 July.

His Spurs contract was extended to June 2019 in December 2016, to June 2020 in December 2018 and for a further month in June 2020 following the season being extended due to coronavirus restrictions.

Jan joined Benfica in August 2020 with a three-year contract.

Jan made his international debut at the U-21 level in 2006 and played in the 2007 UEFA U21 Championships. He made his senior debut for the national team in a 2–1 loss against Portugal on 2 June 2007. He established himself as a regular in 2010 World Cup qualifying and scored his first international goal against the Czech Republic in August 2009.

At international level he usually plays as left back, with Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany taking the two central defensive positions.

Jan was named in Belgium's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and, in the final group match against Korea Republic, he captained the team and scored the only goal of the game.