Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld can’t imagine playing without club and country team-mate Jan Vertonghen.
Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive duo, perhaps the most reliable in England since Alderweireld joined Spurs in 2015, has played together at Ajax, Tottenham and with the Belgian national team.
Vertonghen will break Jan Ceulemans’ Red Devils appearance record when he wins his 97th cap, which could come as soon Tuesday’s home World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.
And Alderweireld hopes that he and Vertonghen remain partners for many years to come.
“I think it’s great for Jan that he can break that record, and he will stay an international for a while yet,” Alderweireld told Het Belang Van Limburg.
“Over the years we have grown into one another and really become close.
“I can hardly play without him. If I ever go to another club, he will have to go with me.”
Alderweireld was also challenged to compare the forwards he plays alongside for club and country. Both Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku have enjoyed exceptional starts to the new season and the centre-back found it too difficult to pick the superior striker.
“I'll put them on the same level,” he said.
