Jan Vertonghen 'convinced' Vincent Janssen will tun around Tottenham career
Jan Vertonghen has backed Vincent Janssen to turn around his Tottenham career after he played a crucial role in the win at Swansea.
After coming on as a second-half substitute, Janssen produced a brilliant back-heel in stoppage time that sent Heung-min Son clear to score the second goal in Tottenham’s 3-1 win.
Janssen has still to score in open play in the Premier League for Spurs following his £18million move from AZ Alkmaar last summer, and has only five goals in all competitions. In 2015-16, he was top scorer in the Dutch top flight with 27.
Vertonghen joined Spurs from Ajax in 2012, so he understands the challenges of swapping the Eredivisie for the Premier League.
He said: “You get a lot more space. Every team in Holland wants to attack and they don’t really think about defending.
“That’s the philosophy - just play 4-3-3 and play good football in possession, and don’t think too much about defending. That’s why I think strikers get so many chances and goals in Holland, and obviously it’s different here.
“I think the tactics are less naïve. Swansea defended for 90 minutes but they were very close to beating us. But Vincent is adapting very well now. He understands the way the gaffer wants him to play. He’s so strong, he just needs that goal and then he’ll be on fire.
“I’m so happy for him. Vincent’s working very hard. Obviously it wasn’t the start he wanted but he’s showing now what he’s capable of. He made a big difference when he came on against Swansea.
“Can he succeed in the Premier League? Definitely, yes. I am convinced of it.”
