Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has praised Fulham boss Martin Jol for helping him put his career on the right track.

The Belgian played for Jol when they were at Ajax together in the 2009-10 season.

Vertonghen told The Mirror: "I played for him and he gave me a lot of ­confidence. He helped me to ­become the player I am.

"He found my best position for me. Before he came I was a ­midfielder or left-back. He made me a centre-half. When he ­became manager I made the most progress as a player in his first season."

The 25-year-old comes up against his former manager when Tottenham play Fulham later today.