Belgian hails Everton’s star man but insists Spurs can beat anyone

By James Cunliffe Saturday, December 8, 2012
8:08 AM

Jan Vertonghen expects to be in for a tough time against countryman Marouane Fellaini when Tottenham travel to Everton on Sunday but feels Spurs are a match for anyone at the moment.

Belgian international Fellaini has been the Toffees’ star man this term but Spurs defender Vertonghen knows all about the powerful attacker’s abilities.

“He’s one of the big players in the Premier League,” the Tottenham man said, adding: “I know him very well because of the national team and he’s done amazing at Everton.

“He’s their main player, their most important player and it will be difficult to play him.”

He added: “He’s a very difficult player to play against because he’s so strong in the air.

“I’m just looking forward to seeing him.”

Tottenham’s 3-1 Europa League victory over Panathinaikos on Thursday night secured qualification to the knockout rounds next year and also extended the Lilywhites’ run of consecutive victories to four games in all competitions.

That has helped the White Hart Lane side shoot up to fourth in the Premier League table, three points ahead of the equally in-form Merseysiders.

“The way we’ve played the last three games in the league, we [feel we] can beat anyone,” Vertonghen said.