Toby Alderweireld: 'Playing at Southampton was easier'

By Sian Cowper, Reporter | 18 August 2015

Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld admits that it was easier to play behind Southampton's midfielders during his loan spell at St Mary's.

Toby Alderweireld has admitted that he found it easier to play for Southampton than with new side Tottenham Hotspur.

The Belgian defender joined Mauricio Pochettino's side from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer after spending last year on loan at St Mary's.

"At Southampton, Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin put good pressure on so [opponents] didn't have time to put the ball in the box, it makes it easier for defenders," The Independent quotes the 26-year-old as saying.

"You have to play better because if you don't play football any more then they can put more pressure on you, get more guys in the box, and it's very difficult. Last season I didn't make one mistake. I want to prove myself here and so it feels bad for me to make a mistake in my first home game."

Alderweireld gave away a penalty in Spurs' 2-2 draw with Stoke City at the weekend, allowing the Potters to come from 2-0 down inside the final 15 minutes.