Flexible 26-year-old only wants to be utilised in his best role.
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Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has hit out at head coach Andre Villas-Boas for playing the Belgium at left back rather than his usual centre-back position against Everton on Sunday afternoon, according to reports on ESPN.
The versatile central defender, who can also operate as a full back if necessary, was asked by the Portuguese to fill in on the left-hand side of the back four during the north London club’s goalless draw with the Merseysidse giants at Goodison Park in the Premier League following injuries to defenders Danny Rose and Kyle Naughton.
However, the Belgium international has now voiced his displeasure at having to always be the player his manager sacrifices when a fellow defender is unavailable due to Vertonghen’s flexibility.
“It feels like that sometimes,” he is quoted as saying on Belgian TV. “I can play at left back and I can help the team at times. But everyone knows I am not a left back.
“Once there are injuries, I’m the first to fill in the gap. Sometimes it’s better if you can play in only one position.
“You see that with other players. These guys specialise in one position and they can completely concentrate.”
Vertonghen moved to White Hart Lane last summer from Eredivisie champions Ajax on a four-year deal, with the 26-year-old having since gone on to establish himself as being one of the most impressive centre backs currently plying their trade in the Premier League.
In total, the Belgium has appeared in 59 matches in all competitions for Spurs in that time, scoring an impressive seven goals in the process.