Arsene Wenger wanted him to be a midfielder, so could Jan Vertonghen solve Tottenham crisis?

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Tottenham Hotspur are suffering something of a midfield crisis. The London club have still not made a single signing this summer, much to the disappointment of their fanbase. Tottenham have therefore not strengthened their midfield which is looking increasingly weak. The likes of Eric Dier, Mousa Dembele and Dele Alli have not yet returned from World Cup duty, with the Belgian also being linked with an exit. Victor Wanyama, Harry Winks, Josh Onomah and now Moussa Sissoko are currently injured. It leaves Spurs with serious problems in the midfield.

So could Jan Vertonghen be the temporary solution?

Last season’s player of the year has become a top central defender. But when he first came to the fore with Ajax he was known to be very capable at holding midfield. In fact, when Arsenal wanted to sign the player, it was in this position that Arsene Wenger envisioned playing the Belgian star.

“(Arsenal’s interest) was concrete, but they wanted me to be a controller in the midfield, an Emmanuel Petit-type.

“I’m not afraid of competition, but the overall picture of Spurs appealed to me more.”

– Jan Vertonghen speaking in 2012 regarding previous interest from Arsenal

Comfortable with the ball at his feet, fast and with an eye for a pass, Vertonghen is more than capable of stepping into a midfield void for Spurs.

Tottenham have cover at the back, with Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld and Ben Davies all capable of filling in at centre-back.

With Spurs potentially not signing anyone this summer and midfield looking a concern, there is no reason why Vertonghen could not prove a solution higher up the pitch.