Facing a £25million release clause that comes into effect in summer 2019, Tottenham have a big decision to make over Toby Alderweireld as the in-demand centre-back continues to hold out on signing a new deal with the north London outfit.

There is little doubt the Belgium international has been an intrinsic influence behind Tottenham’s rise under Mauricio Pochettino. During the Argentine’s first season at the club, Spurs conceded 53 times in 38 Premier League games. Since signing Alderweireld a year later, the Lilywhites have finished up with the top flight’s healthiest goals conceded record in two consecutive seasons – the former Ajax man missing just eight Premier League fixtures during that time.

And yet, there is an argument to suggest Alderweireld isn’t the gem in Tottenham’s defence at all, with the crown truly belonging to his regular centre-back partner Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian has never quite matched the superfluous attacking form of his first season in north London, when he scored six times across all competitions and made his marauding runs from the back a defining feature of Tottenham’s forward play.

But aged 30 and delicately combining natural ability with improved physicality and the experience yielded from over 200 appearances for the Lilywhites, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more reliable centre-back with and without the ball in the Premier League, and a better left-footed centre-half throughout the whole of Europe. That subtle differentiation shouldn’t be overlooked; having a natural left-footer gives Tottenham vital balance in possession that most of the continent’s top sides can’t replicate. When utilised fully it’s a distinct advantage.

Of course, the counter-argument to Vertonghen’s proposed illustriousness is how lesser his reputation was before partnering Alderweireld. From his second season until Alderweireld’s arrival in summer 2015, Vertonghen wasn’t revered quite so admirably and many felt he’d flattered to deceive during a stunning debut campaign. But there is a simple explanation for that; the calibre of defenders Vertonghen found himself partnered with – Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul, Vlad Chiriches and Federico Fazio – left much to be desired.

Thus, we reach the crux of the debate over Vertonghen – he’s the perfect centre-back partner, but not the domineering centre-half you’d expect to physically confront strikers and battle them in the air. That’s where Alderweireld comes in, and why the two Belgians have forged such an impenetrable combination in recent seasons. However, it doesn’t mean Vertonghen’s only at his best when put alongside a world-class stopper, a category Alderweireld arguably belongs too. As Davinson Sanchez has proved this season, Vertonghen only needs someone physical, promising and willing.

And the summer signing’s form this season is perhaps the most convincing argument as to why Tottenham can afford to let Alderweireld leave. The Colombian international is still a little raw, but he’s proved worth every penny of his club-record transfer fee so far; fast, powerful, imposing in the air and (usually) composed with the ball at his feet.

Vertonghen too is the ideal partner as an experienced defender who can talk him through games, who will naturally cover the space behind Sanchez through his own style of play, and who will demand the 21-year-old improves on the ball. Sanchez will develop quickly alongside Vertonghen.

That’s not to say there aren’t obvious downsides to parting with Alderweired. Blessed with a powerful frame, a fantastic reading of the game and an exceptional passing range, there’s a reason Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing the 28-year-old. He’s the finished article that Sanchez can only hope to become and has at least another five seasons ahead of him at top level barring injuries.

The other concern too, is that Tottenham are setting a dangerous precedent; when coupled with Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City last summer, a clear pattern emerges – refuse to sign a new Spurs contract and you’ll soon be sold to a team who offer better wages and a better chance of silverware. Suddenly, for players like Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane, it becomes difficult to remember what the incentives to stay loyal Tottenham actually are.

But we’re also talking about a defender who has made just 10 Premier League appearances this season, his absence only truly felt in occasional doses, that could still command a fee exceeding the £75million record sum Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk just a matter of months ago. After all, although Transfermarkt value him at just £31.5million, Alderweireld is proven at a higher level, can play out of the back as well and fees in the transfer market have only escalated with every window.

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That money would be an invaluable investment in the squad, especially bearing in mind how moving stadiums may affect Pochettino’s transfer budgets in coming summers, and if the Argentine has proved anything during his time with Spurs, it’s that he has an incredible knack for bringing new signings and young players up to speed with the rest of the team. Alderweireld may seem an indispensable talent at this moment in time, but Pochettino will ultimately find a way to fill his void.

So, Tottenham fans, would you cash in on Alderweireld this summer? Let us know by voting below…