Soccerstarz – Jan Vertonghen Figurine (Tottenham Hotspurs)

Jan 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.

Following the departure of Luis Suarez for Liverpool in January 2011, Vertonghen was appointed vice-captain of Ajax under Maarten Stekelenburg following Stekelenburg's transfer to Roma, Vertonghen was made captain. In 2012, Vertonghen was named Dutch Footballer of the Year.

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 Europa League Round of 16, he was named the 2011-12 Eredivisie Player of the Year. Named team captain by Frank de Boer, he lead his Ajax to their second title in a row, scoring 8 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.

Tottenham Hotspur
Throughout the 2011-2012 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 including North London rivals Arsenal. On 8 July 2012, Tottenham Hotspur 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 after he successfully completed his medical. Vertonghen took part in his first game as a Tottenham player in a 3-2 friendly win against Brentford on 14 July.In his second league game against West Brom, He scored a late winner, but it was disallowed due to an offside position by the provider.