Jan Vertonghen

Who is Jan Vertonghen?

Jan Bert Lieve Vertonghen is a Belgian footballer who plays as a defender for English club Tottenham Hotspur and the Belgian national team. A left-footed player who usually plays as a centre back, he is equally adept at playing anywhere on the left side or in defensive midfield and frequently joins in the attack from his centre back position. Although playing as a defender, Vertonghen is well known for his offensive prowess and powerful shooting ability.

After the departure of Luis Suárez for Liverpool in January 2011, Vertonghen was appointed vice-captain of AFC Ajax under captain Maarten Stekelenburg; following Stekelenburg's transfer to Roma, Vertonghen was made captain. In 2012, Vertonghen was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. Following his transfer to Tottenham Hotspurs in July 2012, he won Premier League Player of the Month in March 2013, making himself the second Belgian and the 12th Tottenham player to win the award.