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Whether or not Rolls Royce had Jan Vertonghen in mind when they came up with this tagline is up for debate, but it’s a perfect description of how we all feel about Jan Vertonghen. He was purchased in 2012 from Ajax or as we like to call it, the best feeder club for Spurs in the last decade and maybe ever. Let’s take a quick moment to appreciate all that Ajax has developed for us directly and indirectly over the years.

Davinson Sanchez

Birthplace: Caloto, Colombia

Caloto, Colombia Ajax Appearances : 47

: 47 Spurs Appearances: 67

Speedy and strong, this man might very well become the best Colombian export since Escobar was powdering the noses of everyone from Glasgow to Melbourne. At only 22 years old, Davinson has the abilities to become one of Europe’s elite CB’s and quickly gained the confidence of Pochettino.

Jan Vertonghen

Birthplace: Sint-Niklass, Belgium

Sint-Niklass, Belgium Ajax Appearances : 220

: 220 Spurs Appearances: 271

A Rolls Royce of a defender, Super Jan is arguably one of the most reliable players in Spurs history. Classy, but fierce there are too many metaphors to wax lyrical about the wonder that is Jan Vertonghen. He’s currently one of our longest serving players and the most capped player in history for the Belgian National Team.

Toby Alderweireld

Birthplace: Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium Ajax Appearances : 186

: 186 Spurs Appearances: 150

The Belgian defense may have only lasted 18 days against the Germans during WWII, but Toby’s performance against Dortmund and his overall tenure at Spurs tells a different story. Toby has arguably the most well-kept hair in Spurs history and his CB partnership alongside Jan dates back to Ajax days.

Christian Eriksen

Birthplace: Middelfart, Denmark

Middelfart, Denmark Ajax Appearances : 162

: 162 Spurs Appearances: 259

Quiet, calm, and brilliant. Back when we remembered how to buy players, out of the magnificent 7 (Eriksen, Lamela, Paulinho, Soldado, Chadli, Capoue, Chiriches) he is the only one that has truly become a star (sorry Erik we love you too, but it’s just not the same). While Kane and Son often steal the spotlight, Christian has long been pulling the creative strings that make Tottenham such an entertaining side to watch.

Rafael Van der Vaart

Birthplace: Heemskerk, Netherlands

Heemskerk, Netherlands Ajax Appearances : 156

: 156 Spurs Appearances: 77

Quite possibly the best deadline day signing we’ve ever had, our Dutch magician spent 6 of his early years entertaining the people of Amsterdam almost as much as gouda and ganja. An unexpected masterclass transfer from Levy and Redknapp, it was impossible not to love Rafa’s style of play.

Mido

Birthplace: Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt Ajax Appearances : 50

: 50 Spurs Appearances: 63

Our shortlived hitman and Egypt’s volatile son, Mido also spent a few years bagging goals in the Dutch capital. A feisty man who always speaks highly of his tenure at Spurs and often states that he wishes he never left the club.

Edgar Davids

Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname

Paramaribo, Suriname Ajax Appearances : 155

: 155 Spurs Appearances: 44

The pitbull from Suriname, this goggle totting midfielder also continues to retain a soft spot for Spurs. He managed a Champions League victory with Ajax as a youngster and then returned to Ajax after a couple years in London with Spurs.

Steven Pienaar

Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa Ajax Appearances : 131

: 131 Spurs Appearances: 18

After a good spell with the Toffee’s up north, the South African looked full of potential in his move to Tottenham. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his short tenure at Spurs and he never really lived up to the hype. Pienaar spent 5 of years formative years in Amsterdam with Ajax.

Besides the red color, we have a lot to be thankful for from our relationship with Ajax and long may it continue…