AS it has been mooted in various media reports that Brendan Rodgers is apparently interested in Ajax duo Toby Alderweireld and their Danish playmaker, Christian Eriksen, to bolster the LFC squad in the summer, in the first of a two-part column, I this week concentrate on Alderweireld and his career so far.
Tobias “Toby” Albertine Maurits Alderweireld was born 2 March 1989 in Antwerp, and moved to Ajax’s youth academy in August 2004 from Germinal Beerschot, aged 15. On 22 February 2007, he signed his first professional contract tying him to the club until 30 June 2010.
He was promoted to the first team for the 2008–09 season but only made his first team debut on 18th January, in the 4–2 victory over NEC Nijmegen. On 26 February 2009, he made his European debut during a 1–1 draw against Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup. Although he only made several appearances for the remainder of the season, he was awarded a new long-term contract extension until 2014.
During the ’09-’10 season, Alderweireld established himself in the first team starting XI and became first choice centre-back along with fellow Belgian Jan Vertonghen after the departure of former captain Thomas Vermaelen to Arsenal.
Former coach Martin Jol praised the two defenders and kept faith in the duo after a string of good performances. During a win against Heracles that ended 3–0, he scored his first league goal for the club when he opened the scoring with a header from our very own Luis Suarez’s corner.
Toby scored a late equaliser in extra-time during the KNVB Cup quarter-final against NEC Nijmegen and Siem de Jong’s late goal sealed a 3–2 win for Ajax.
At the end of the 2009–10 season, Alderweireld was named ‘Ajax Talent of the Year’.
He assured himself of a place in the Eredivisie giants’ history books on 3 November 2011, heading in Ajax’s 100th UEFA Champions League goal in the 2–1 Group G defeat by Auxerre.
In the 2010–11 season he scored a stunning 25-yard strike at the San Siro against Champions League group rivals AC Milan in a 0–2 away win. He followed this spectacular goal with an even more impressive 32-yard strike against Feyenoord in a 2–0 home win.
The 2011–12 season saw Alderweireld make significant strides in his ability as a footballer. His partnership in the heart of the Ajax defence with former captain and fellow Belgian, Jan Verthongen (now at Tottenham), became formidable.
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During the season Toby scored a headed goal against Manchester United in a Europa League tie at Old Trafford, leading to a 2-1 win for Ajax.
Alderweireld has represented Belgium at U17 level and took part in the 2006 UEFA U17 Championship. His full senior debut came in a match against the Czech Republic. He was named in several 2010 World Cup qualifying squads, but was mostly an unused substitute.
Alderweireld, who has been capped 23 times by Belgium, is on course to help Ajax land a third successive league title this season after winning the Eredivisie title in 2010–11 and 2011–12. He also won the KNVB Cup (the equivalent of the English FA Cup) in 2010.
As of April 10, 2013 Toby has played 176 times for Ajax scoring an impressive 15 goals for a central defender.
Alderweireld’s style of play
At 6ft 1” he is an all-round defender, but is mostly known for his long passes and physical strength. He mainly plays as a centre-back but can play at right-back as well and is usually positioned as a right central defender as he is right-footed.
This season has brought media attention as to where his future lies due his good performances under current coach, Frank de Boer.
The 24-year-old, who could cost up to £8million, told Belgium paper Het Laatste Nieuws that he did not want to join a mid-table team, after there was apparent interest from Alan Pardew and Newcastle United.
Alderweireld stating: “Unlike Newcastle, Liverpool meets my criteria.”
With Jamie Carragher hanging up his boots next month and the uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates, bringing in defensive reinforcements should be the manager’s priority.
Next week I give a profile into Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen, and his footballing journey so far.
Follow me on Twitter@MRSSG
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