Vertonghen’s role-playing flexibility crucial to ensuring Spurs’ victory over Borussia, says Son

TOTTENHAM Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen’s ability to play in multiple positions was crucial in their 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in Wednesday’s Champions League last16 tie, according to teammate Son Heung-min.

Vertonghen, who usually plays as a centre back, was deployed as a left wing back in the absence of the injured Danny Rose and the versatile Belgium international helped himself to a goal and assist in the first leg at Wembley.

“Vertonghen is technically unbelievable and can play in any position,” Son said in a post-match interview with BT Sport.

“I am very happy for him – he deserved it. One goal and an assist.”

Vertonghen doubled Tottenham’s lead in the 83rd minute when he got on the end of Serge Aurier’s cross, but it was his assist for the first goal that was one of the main talking points of the match.

The 31-year-old spotted Son making a run to the back post before floating in a cross for the South Korean forward to volley home, a goal that “rattled” the visitors according to Dortmund’s Mario Goetze.

“The timing of the first goal was very important,” Son added. “The cross was unreal. I didn’t have to do anything, I just touched the ball.”

Tottenham travel to Dortmund for the return leg on March 5.

Once named Dutch Footballer of the Year, Vertonghen transferred to Tottenham in July 2012 |