Charlie Nicholas critical of Jan Vertonghen’s Tottenham form

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Charlie Nicholas has picked out Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen as an individual that is having a hard time right now.

The 32-year-old is a senior member of the Spurs team that has had to fill in at left-back since Jose Mourinho’s arrival.

But he’s a centre-back by trade and it’s clear to see that his lack of pace is an issue in the full-back position.

The Belgian has continued to get the nod over Danny Rose at left-back, who seems completely out of favour with manager Mourinho.

It’s certainly a problem area that the club need to try address in January and Sky Sports pundit Nicholas is predicting that Vertonghen comes under severe pressure once again in the next match.

The North London club host Brighton on Boxing Day in the league and need a response to the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.

“Jan Vertonghen is really struggling to deal with pace. If I were Brighton I would get Leandro Trossard on his side and really test him,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.

TBR’s View:

Vertonghen has looked a little lightweight during the last month, but he’s ultimately been playing out of position and it should be up to the club’s other full-backs to step up.

The left-footed centre-back needs to be restored to his usual position and that would be a good way to get back to his best.

He will come unstuck against the big clubs when he’s left isolated out wide and Mourinho has to try find a solution quickly.