Nacer Chadli has lavished praise on fellow countryman and new Spurs team-mate Toby Alderweireld, hailing our latest signing as “the complete defender.”

Having played against Toby’s Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie during his time with FC Twente up until 2013, Nacer has frequently linked up with the versatile former Atletico Madrid man on the international stage in recent years.

Regulars for Belgium, the pair represented the Red Devils at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil alongside Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele and, as such, Nacer knows all about the talents of our newest recruit.

Asked to sum up Toby’s qualities, Nacer declared: “He’s the complete defender. He’s good in the air, very good on the ball, technically very comfortable and he’s got an amazing long-range pass on him.

“He has a good shot as well, plus he is very experienced. He’s played a lot of matches, a lot of international games and he’s featured in the Champions League, so he has so much to bring to the team. I would say he’s a very good signing and a great lad – plus he’s Belgian as well, so it’s all good!”

Nacer returned to Hotspur Way after the summer break at the start of this week along with some of our other international players and, with Toby also joining the group, was quickly into the swing of things with a host of rigorous fitness tests to undertake.

Good to be back! #preseason have a nice day! pic.twitter.com/5wcj6A6gnF — Nacer Chadli (@NChadli) July 14, 2015



In the intervening days, last season’s 13-goal attacking midfielder has seen more than enough evidence to support his belief that his compatriot will fit in perfectly at the Club – and that he’s well placed to team up with former Ajax defensive partner Jan.

“Jan and Toby played a lot of games together at Ajax so they know each other very well and I think they’ll be very comfortable playing alongside each other,” Nacer added.

“Toby has settled in very nicely this week, the lads have welcomed him and he knows us very well so I think, for him, it’s all good.

“I believe he can bring a lot of calm to our defence as he’s somebody who can play with consistency. He always plays a good game and he’s honestly a good lad in the group – very calm and respectful. I think he’s a great addition to the squad.”