Toby Alderweireld says Tottenham have been training “like animals” in the last couple of weeks, as they prepare for the Champions League final. Even when pressed, he refuses to be drawn on which animal in particular. “It would be a new creature, I think,” he says eventually, which if anything is an even more alarming prospect. “It’s a metaphor,” he adds, helpfully. “The hunger is there.”
Still, it’s an insight into the mindset within the Tottenham camp ahead of what may well be the biggest game in their history. Victory over Liverpool in Madrid on Saturday would bring the European Cup to north London for the first time, and with three weeks to prepare for the game, there are places to be won and lost, strategies to prepare. “The final started two weeks ago for us,” Alderweireld says. “Everybody wants to be there, to be involved and give their best.”
Along with Fernando Llorente, who played for Juventus in Cardiff in 2017, Alderweireld is just one of two Spurs players with previous experience of a Champions League final.
He came on for Atletico Madrid after 83 minutes of the 2014 final against Real Madrid in Lisbon, with the score 1-0. By the time he strode off the pitch, dejected and distraught, Atletico had lost 4-1 after extra time.
“We were so close to winning it,” he remembers now. “In the 90th minute or something, [Sergio] Ramos scored. So yeah, the feeling of losing, of not winning it, is very hard. I will take this feeling to the final and show I want it more than anyone else.”
1/29 Season rankings: Tottenham Hotspur
How did Tottenham’s players perform this season? Ahead of their final match of the 2018/19 campaign, the Champions League final against Liverpool in Madrid, we give each member of the Spurs squad a rating out of 10.
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2/29 Mauricio Pochettino − 9
No new signings. A delay to the new stadium. And the worst injury crisis he has ever faced in his managerial career. And yet Pochettino took it all in his stride, securing a place in the top four and leading Spurs to their first ever Champions League final. No wonder there were so many rumours that both Real Madrid and Manchester United wanted to recruit him earlier in the season.
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3/29 Hugo Lloris − 7
There has been more than the odd high-profile mistake and his failure to deal with Mohamed Salah’s cross at Anfield handed Liverpool all three points in an absorbing Premier League fixture. But he remains an outstanding shotstopper and his three consecutive penalty saves proved crucial to Tottenham’s attempts to finish in the top four.
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4/29 Michel Vorm − 5
The 35-year-old has appeared just four times this season and has now been surpassed by Paulo Gazzaniga in the goalkeeping pecking order.
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5/29 Paulo Gazzaniga − 6
Has impressed when called upon this season, asserting himself as Tottenham’s number two goalkeeper while also winning his first Argentina call-up.
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6/29 Kieran Trippier − 4
Began this campaign on a high having enjoyed a superb World Cup with England, so much so that he was being talked about as one of the best right-backs in football. That all seems a long time ago now. It has been a difficult season for the 28-year-old with his defensive vulnerabilities being repeatedly exposed. Has been linked with a move away from north London this summer.
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7/29 Danny Rose − 6
Once one of Tottenham’s most important players, Rose’s contribution has declined in recent years, with Pochettino coming to prefer Ben Davies at left-back. But this season Rose has enjoyed something of a comeback, reclaiming his place in Pochettino’s preferred starting XI and appearing to repair the combustible relationship he had with his manager.
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8/29 Toby Alderweireld − 7
Has made close to 50 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham this season. Utterly invaluable to the club this season, although he is still yet to agree a contract extension and looks destined to leave this summer. Spurs will be hard-pressed to sign a replacement of similar quality.
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9/29 Jan Vertonghen − 8
A genuine club legend. As dependable as ever at the back, but his season will forever be remembered for his stunning performance against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Filling in at left-back, Vertonghen kept Jadon Sancho quiet all night, before scoring a wonderful goal to put Spurs in complete control of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
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10/29 Davinson Sanchez − 7
The Colombia international is still very raw and can struggle when isolated by opposition attackers, such as when Spurs were run ragged by Ajax in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final. But he is still 22. He has such a big future and will be even more important to the club if Alderweireld does indeed leave this summer.
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11/29 Kyle Walker-Peters − 6
The 22-year-old is highly rated at Spurs but he would have hoped for a better campaign, particularly given the struggles of both Trippier and Aurier. Walker-Peters will have been frustrated to have made just 10 appearances: should Spurs sign another full-back this summer he would do well to consider his future at the club.
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12/29 Juan Foyth − 6
Has looked sublime in fits and bursts and is adored by Pochettino. Foyth was also called up to the Argentina national time for the first time this season. But the 21-year-old endured some testing times: conceding two penalties on his Premier League debut and receiving a red card in the shambolic loss to Bournemouth.
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13/29 Serge Aurier − 5
So much hype, such little end product. A combination of injury woes and personal problems have seen the Ivory Coast international restricted to just eight league appearances this season. It is obvious Pochettino still does not completely trust him after a string of erratic performances following his move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
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14/29 Ben Davies − 6
Has lost his place in Tottenham’s first-team to Rose in recent weeks. Still an important player, but after an inconsistent season he may fear the rumoured arrival of Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham.
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15/29 Harry Winks − 7
Has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, and is currently making his comeback from groin surgery. But what a player. Took on far more responsibility this term – in particular scoring a winning goal against Fulham in January – and was so evidently missed when kept out of the team due to injury. Formed a fine midfield partnership with Moussa Sissoko.
EPA
16/29 Erik Lamela − 5
Started the season reasonably well, scoring a consolation against Liverpool and then getting on the scoresheet against Brighton in the next game, only for injuries to keep him out through a significant portion of the second half of the season. Increasingly doubtful that he will ever remain fit enough to truly consolidate a place in this team.
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17/29 Victor Wanyama − 6
Has unexpectedly re-emerged as a crucial player for Spurs over the past few weeks. The extent of the knee injuries he has suffered over the past two seasons mean he is unlikely to ever again reach the level that he hit in the 2016/17 campaign, but despite some shaky moments, he played an important role in the European victories over both Manchester City and Ajax.
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18/29 Georges-Kevin N’Koudou − 4
Nkou-who? Made just one Premier League appearance, crossing the ball for Winks to score against Fulham, before disappearing on loan to Monaco. Has absolutely no future at Spurs.
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19/29 Eric Dier − 5
A very disappointing season for an established first-team player. Was kept out for a long period due to appendicitis and it is difficult to see where he fits into Pochettino’s preferred starting XI when everybody is fit. And there is still some confusion over whether he is best deployed as a midfielder or defender.
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20/29 Moussa Sissoko − 8
Who on earth would have expected Sissoko to emerge as Tottenham’s most important player this season? Has completely turned his Spurs career around. And while his finishing may remain woeful, Spurs simply would not have reached the Champions League final without him.
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21/29 Dele − 7
A difficult season for Dele, who like many of his team-mates has struggled with injuries this season. He has also faded in recent weeks, perhaps as a consequence of playing so much football in the summer. But he remains one of the club’s most important players, particularly when playing alongside a fully fit Kane.
EPA
22/29 Christian Eriksen − 7
Rumours of a summer transfer to La Liga along with a series of sub-par performances saw his stock fall among some Tottenham supporters. But he is still the heartbeat of this team and contributed so many important goals and assists, from his winner against Inter Milan at Wembley to his pass to Son Heung-min to break the deadlock in the club’s inaugural match at their new stadium.
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23/29 Lucas Moura − 8
A breakthrough season for the Brazilian. Scored a brace against Manchester United, a hat-trick against Huddersfield, and then repeated that trick against Ajax in one of the most incredible Champions League performances in history. A bit-part player at the beginning of the season, Lucas is now a regular starter and cult hero.
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24/29 Oliver Skipp − 6
The 18-year-old has made 10 appearances in all competitions in his debut season, performing admirably when called upon and providing two assists in the 7-0 FA Cup win over Tranmere. One for the future, perhaps alongside fellow academy product Winks.
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25/29 Mousa Dembele − 5
An ankle ligament injury put paid to his Tottenham career, before an £11m move to Guangzhou R&F in the winter transfer market.
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26/29 Son Heung-min − 8
Tottenham’s player of the season. Truly stepped up to the plate after Kane’s untimely injury, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, including that priceless winner against Manchester City in north London. That he achieved so much and elevated his game to the next level in a season that saw him play in two major international tournaments with South Korea is nothing short of remarkable.
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27/29 Vincent Janssen − 5
Perhaps a 5/10 is generous, but it was only in January that Pochettino said Janssen was “not in my plans” and would not feature for the club again. Yet the club’s injury crisis presented him with a chance that he took, with the Dutchman making three appearances before the end of the campaign. Almost certain to leave this summer.
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28/29 Fernando Llorente − 6
What a rollercoaster season. Struggled as a stand-in for the injured Kane, scoring just one goal in 20 Premier League appearances, but delivered when it mattered in the Champions League, bundling the ball over the line at the Etihad against Manchester City. Another that is likely to leave this summer, but he will be remembered fondly in north London.
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29/29 Harry Kane − 7
Still managed to score 17 Premier League goals despite missing a third of the season through injury. Tottenham’s talisman – and yet he will look back on this campaign with regret after damaging his ankle ligaments once again. Has a chance of returning for the Champions League final, but should Pochettino start him?
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1/29 Season rankings: Tottenham Hotspur
How did Tottenham’s players perform this season? Ahead of their final match of the 2018/19 campaign, the Champions League final against Liverpool in Madrid, we give each member of the Spurs squad a rating out of 10.
Getty
2/29 Mauricio Pochettino − 9
No new signings. A delay to the new stadium. And the worst injury crisis he has ever faced in his managerial career. And yet Pochettino took it all in his stride, securing a place in the top four and leading Spurs to their first ever Champions League final. No wonder there were so many rumours that both Real Madrid and Manchester United wanted to recruit him earlier in the season.
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3/29 Hugo Lloris − 7
There has been more than the odd high-profile mistake and his failure to deal with Mohamed Salah’s cross at Anfield handed Liverpool all three points in an absorbing Premier League fixture. But he remains an outstanding shotstopper and his three consecutive penalty saves proved crucial to Tottenham’s attempts to finish in the top four.
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4/29 Michel Vorm − 5
The 35-year-old has appeared just four times this season and has now been surpassed by Paulo Gazzaniga in the goalkeeping pecking order.
Action Images via Reuters
5/29 Paulo Gazzaniga − 6
Has impressed when called upon this season, asserting himself as Tottenham’s number two goalkeeper while also winning his first Argentina call-up.
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6/29 Kieran Trippier − 4
Began this campaign on a high having enjoyed a superb World Cup with England, so much so that he was being talked about as one of the best right-backs in football. That all seems a long time ago now. It has been a difficult season for the 28-year-old with his defensive vulnerabilities being repeatedly exposed. Has been linked with a move away from north London this summer.
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7/29 Danny Rose − 6
Once one of Tottenham’s most important players, Rose’s contribution has declined in recent years, with Pochettino coming to prefer Ben Davies at left-back. But this season Rose has enjoyed something of a comeback, reclaiming his place in Pochettino’s preferred starting XI and appearing to repair the combustible relationship he had with his manager.
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8/29 Toby Alderweireld − 7
Has made close to 50 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham this season. Utterly invaluable to the club this season, although he is still yet to agree a contract extension and looks destined to leave this summer. Spurs will be hard-pressed to sign a replacement of similar quality.
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9/29 Jan Vertonghen − 8
A genuine club legend. As dependable as ever at the back, but his season will forever be remembered for his stunning performance against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Filling in at left-back, Vertonghen kept Jadon Sancho quiet all night, before scoring a wonderful goal to put Spurs in complete control of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
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10/29 Davinson Sanchez − 7
The Colombia international is still very raw and can struggle when isolated by opposition attackers, such as when Spurs were run ragged by Ajax in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final. But he is still 22. He has such a big future and will be even more important to the club if Alderweireld does indeed leave this summer.
Action Images via Reuters
11/29 Kyle Walker-Peters − 6
The 22-year-old is highly rated at Spurs but he would have hoped for a better campaign, particularly given the struggles of both Trippier and Aurier. Walker-Peters will have been frustrated to have made just 10 appearances: should Spurs sign another full-back this summer he would do well to consider his future at the club.
Getty Images
12/29 Juan Foyth − 6
Has looked sublime in fits and bursts and is adored by Pochettino. Foyth was also called up to the Argentina national time for the first time this season. But the 21-year-old endured some testing times: conceding two penalties on his Premier League debut and receiving a red card in the shambolic loss to Bournemouth.
REUTERS
13/29 Serge Aurier − 5
So much hype, such little end product. A combination of injury woes and personal problems have seen the Ivory Coast international restricted to just eight league appearances this season. It is obvious Pochettino still does not completely trust him after a string of erratic performances following his move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
AFP/Getty Images
14/29 Ben Davies − 6
Has lost his place in Tottenham’s first-team to Rose in recent weeks. Still an important player, but after an inconsistent season he may fear the rumoured arrival of Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham.
AFP/Getty Images
15/29 Harry Winks − 7
Has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, and is currently making his comeback from groin surgery. But what a player. Took on far more responsibility this term – in particular scoring a winning goal against Fulham in January – and was so evidently missed when kept out of the team due to injury. Formed a fine midfield partnership with Moussa Sissoko.
EPA
16/29 Erik Lamela − 5
Started the season reasonably well, scoring a consolation against Liverpool and then getting on the scoresheet against Brighton in the next game, only for injuries to keep him out through a significant portion of the second half of the season. Increasingly doubtful that he will ever remain fit enough to truly consolidate a place in this team.
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17/29 Victor Wanyama − 6
Has unexpectedly re-emerged as a crucial player for Spurs over the past few weeks. The extent of the knee injuries he has suffered over the past two seasons mean he is unlikely to ever again reach the level that he hit in the 2016/17 campaign, but despite some shaky moments, he played an important role in the European victories over both Manchester City and Ajax.
Getty Images
18/29 Georges-Kevin N’Koudou − 4
Nkou-who? Made just one Premier League appearance, crossing the ball for Winks to score against Fulham, before disappearing on loan to Monaco. Has absolutely no future at Spurs.
REUTERS
19/29 Eric Dier − 5
A very disappointing season for an established first-team player. Was kept out for a long period due to appendicitis and it is difficult to see where he fits into Pochettino’s preferred starting XI when everybody is fit. And there is still some confusion over whether he is best deployed as a midfielder or defender.
Getty Images
20/29 Moussa Sissoko − 8
Who on earth would have expected Sissoko to emerge as Tottenham’s most important player this season? Has completely turned his Spurs career around. And while his finishing may remain woeful, Spurs simply would not have reached the Champions League final without him.
(Credit too long, see caption)
21/29 Dele − 7
A difficult season for Dele, who like many of his team-mates has struggled with injuries this season. He has also faded in recent weeks, perhaps as a consequence of playing so much football in the summer. But he remains one of the club’s most important players, particularly when playing alongside a fully fit Kane.
EPA
22/29 Christian Eriksen − 7
Rumours of a summer transfer to La Liga along with a series of sub-par performances saw his stock fall among some Tottenham supporters. But he is still the heartbeat of this team and contributed so many important goals and assists, from his winner against Inter Milan at Wembley to his pass to Son Heung-min to break the deadlock in the club’s inaugural match at their new stadium.
REUTERS
23/29 Lucas Moura − 8
A breakthrough season for the Brazilian. Scored a brace against Manchester United, a hat-trick against Huddersfield, and then repeated that trick against Ajax in one of the most incredible Champions League performances in history. A bit-part player at the beginning of the season, Lucas is now a regular starter and cult hero.
PA
24/29 Oliver Skipp − 6
The 18-year-old has made 10 appearances in all competitions in his debut season, performing admirably when called upon and providing two assists in the 7-0 FA Cup win over Tranmere. One for the future, perhaps alongside fellow academy product Winks.
AFP/Getty Images
25/29 Mousa Dembele − 5
An ankle ligament injury put paid to his Tottenham career, before an £11m move to Guangzhou R&F in the winter transfer market.
Action Images via Reuters
26/29 Son Heung-min − 8
Tottenham’s player of the season. Truly stepped up to the plate after Kane’s untimely injury, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, including that priceless winner against Manchester City in north London. That he achieved so much and elevated his game to the next level in a season that saw him play in two major international tournaments with South Korea is nothing short of remarkable.
(Credit too long, see caption)
27/29 Vincent Janssen − 5
Perhaps a 5/10 is generous, but it was only in January that Pochettino said Janssen was “not in my plans” and would not feature for the club again. Yet the club’s injury crisis presented him with a chance that he took, with the Dutchman making three appearances before the end of the campaign. Almost certain to leave this summer.
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28/29 Fernando Llorente − 6
What a rollercoaster season. Struggled as a stand-in for the injured Kane, scoring just one goal in 20 Premier League appearances, but delivered when it mattered in the Champions League, bundling the ball over the line at the Etihad against Manchester City. Another that is likely to leave this summer, but he will be remembered fondly in north London.
REUTERS
29/29 Harry Kane − 7
Still managed to score 17 Premier League goals despite missing a third of the season through injury. Tottenham’s talisman – and yet he will look back on this campaign with regret after damaging his ankle ligaments once again. Has a chance of returning for the Champions League final, but should Pochettino start him?
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How did he react afterwards? “It is difficult, because you are 25 years old. That night, I flew to Belgium because we had the World Cup coming up, so there was no time to grieve. It was a strange moment. Two days after, I was playing Luxembourg in preparation for the World Cup. After the World Cup, when I had time to think about it, I thought it was a big chance, a big opportunity and maybe it will never come again.”
But it has, and Alderweireld points out that for all their apparent inexperience, there is in fact a solid back catalogue of big games in this team. “It’s not that we’re all 18 years old,” he says. “We’ve been to semi-finals at World Cups, some have played in the final. Of course, the tension will get more as the week goes on. But we have the maturity in our group.”
Above all, Alderweireld isn’t satisfied with merely having got this far. “Everyone is saying it is unbelievable about Spurs getting to the final,” he says. “But we’re not happy with playing a final. We want to win it. That’s the mentality we need to have on Saturday.”
