Key Points
- Former Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld described the current Tottenham squad as “not good enough in terms of quality” in an interview with ESPN.
- Alderweireld singled out captain Cristian Romero and centre-back Micky van de Ven for failing to reach their usual levels throughout the season.
- He criticised Romero specifically for receiving red cards too often and making poor decisions that let the team down.
- Tottenham sit 18th in the Premier League table with six games remaining, two points behind West Ham in 17th, and have yet to win a Premier League match in 2026.
- Alderweireld highlighted that high-cost signings have underperformed consistently, not just in isolated matches.
- He noted that quality players must be decisive in important moments, which the current squad has not achieved.
- Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were key defenders in Mauricio Pochettino’s era, helping Spurs reach the Champions League final in 2019 and challenge for the Premier League title.
- The club has declined since Pochettino’s sacking and the departures of stars like Dele Alli, Harry Kane, and Son Heung-Min.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) April 17, 2026 – Former Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld has delivered a stark critique of the club’s current squad amid their relegation battle.
Why Has Toby Alderweireld Criticised Tottenham’s Current Players?
As reported by ESPN, Toby Alderweireld told ESPN NL:
“I think you also need to start looking at pure quality. What do big players do? What do quality players do? That is to be decisive at important moments, achieve your level … And that has not been happening all season.”
He continued:
“Players who were acquired for a lot of money but who nevertheless don’t deliver, not just in one or two matches or a period, but throughout the whole season. You just have to conclude that they are not good enough in terms of quality.”
Alderweireld, who partnered Jan Vertonghen in defence during Mauricio Pochettino’s successful tenure, pointed to the decline since Pochettino’s sacking. That era saw Tottenham consistently qualify for the Champions League and reach the final in 2019, while challenging for the Premier League title in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. The departures of key players such as Dele Alli, Harry Kane, and Son Heung-Min have contributed to the slide, leaving Spurs facing relegation to the Championship.
Tottenham currently occupies 18th place in the Premier League with six games left, trailing West Ham by two points in 17th. The team has not secured a single Premier League victory in 2026.
What Specific Issues Did Alderweireld Raise About Romero and Van de Ven?
Alderweireld directly addressed the form of captain Cristian Romero and his defensive partner Micky van de Ven. As per the ESPN report, he stated:
“I look at Romero, I look at Van de Ven … They just aren’t reaching their level. Again, not for a period, but actually for an entire season. Then I also look at Romero, who gets red cards too often, doesn’t make the right decisions, and therefore lets his team down.”
These comments mark Alderweireld as one of the first former Spurs stars to publicly assess the disastrous season. Romero’s disciplinary record and decision-making have drawn particular scrutiny, aligning with broader observations of the defence’s struggles.
How Dire Is Tottenham’s Premier League Position?
The north London club languishes in the relegation zone, with its winless run in 2026 underscoring the crisis. ESPN noted that the Spurs’ plight was once unthinkable given their recent history. The six remaining fixtures represent a narrow window for survival.
Background of the Development
Toby Alderweireld left Tottenham in 2021 after a successful stint that included 236 appearances and key contributions to the club’s European runs. His partnership with Jan Vertonghen formed the backbone of Pochettino’s high-pressing, defensively solid team. Post-Pochettino, multiple managerial changes and high-profile exits destabilised the squad. The current season’s woes stem from a combination of poor recruitment outcomes and on-pitch underperformance, as highlighted in Alderweireld’s analysis. This interview with ESPN NL provides context from a player who experienced Tottenham at its competitive peak.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Tottenham Fans
This development, through Alderweireld’s public criticism, could intensify pressure on the players and management during the final six games. Tottenham fans may experience heightened anxiety over relegation, potentially leading to reduced attendance or vocal discontent at matches. For the particular audience of Spurs supporters, accustomed to top-flight stability, it risks eroding loyalty if survival proves elusive, while prompting calls for squad overhaul in the summer transfer window. Conversely, it might galvanise the team if players respond to the scrutiny.
