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Jose Mourinho says Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld looks physically good
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has explained that Toby Alderweireld looks fit right now, but has warned there is a “risk factor” for any player with such a short turnaround in games.
Alderweireld, 32, started in Spurs’ Premier League win over Burnley on Sunday, as well as in the Europa League victory last week against Wolfsberger.
If the £11.5million () defender starts on Thursday against Fulham, that will be three games in just eight days for the senior ace.
The centre-half has been in and out of the XI during the past couple of months for the North London club, but remains a huge fan favourite due to the fact he’s been one of the club’s elite defenders in the past decade.
Mourinho appears to suggest that Alderweireld is ready to play again away to Fulham today, but at the same time it won’t be a surprise if he comes out.
“He looks physically good, very good professional, works hard. He’s one of the guys who dedicates himself very, very much to the individual work before the session and after the session on prevention, in taking care of his body,” Mourinho said, as quoted by
“He looks for me that he’s physically in a good moment but of course three matches in one week, it doesn’t matter how young you are or fit you are, there’s always a risk factor involved.”
TBR’s View:
Mourinho has opted to rotate his centre-backs this season, as he seems unwilling to pick a preferred combination at the back.
He’s got the options to rotate with Alderweireld, Joe Rodon, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga all available to him.
It seemed like a couple of years ago that Alderweireld may be slowing down and coming to the end of his Spurs career, but on his day he’s still the best of the bunch at centre-back at the club.