Jan revelling in return

As the intensity of pre-season training continues to rise, Jan Vertonghen admits he relishes getting stuck in during these vital sessions as the squad focuses on sharpening up ahead of the new season.

For many players, pre-season can be a gruelling part of the football calendar as their fitness is put under the microscopes by the Club’s medical and coaching staff.

Running drills become a central component of the team’s training schedule as their stamina is tested, with these workouts only set to intensify the closer we get to the campaign opener against Aston Villa on August 10.

But, for Jan, who is preparing to start his eighth campaign as a Spur, it is this demanding stage of the season that he savours.

“There’s a good feeling in the group,” the defender discussed as the squad pushed on with their preparations.

“Obviously, this year we’ve had a bit more time off than if we had been in an international tournament, but it’s been good to get back. We’ve done a little testing and then got straight back outside, on the pitch, and we’re all looking in very good shape.

“I look forward to pre-season, to getting my body in a position where I can compete with the best strikers in the world. I’m very ambitious.

“I still love every moment of training. I’m very happy to get out there and I feel very good. It looks like the rest of the team is feeling the same way.”