FORMER Tottenham star Jan Vertonghen has revealed what it is like to be a captain on the pitch during a game.
The defender was mic’d up by Anderlecht’s social media team during the game against Antwerp FC in the Belgian Pro League clash.
Vertonghen joined Anderlecht on a free transfer in September 2022 after a two-year spell with Portuguese giants Benfica, which he signed for after leaving Tottenham in 2020.
The video on the club’s YouTube channel, shows the discussions that take place between players once they set foot onto the pitch.
In one clip of the video, the 35-year-old is seen shaking hands with former Spurs team mate Toby Alderweireld, who was captaining the Antwerp side.
He can be heard saying: “Ready mate? Warrior.”
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In another clip Vertonghen is giving a team talk to his team mates, stressing the importance of the clash.
He says: “Boys, feel this atmosphere, this is what we are here for, this is why we became footballers.
“Win your first contact, I don’t f****** care how.
“Let them feel you’re there and let’s win this game. Come on!”
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Throughout the video, the defender can be heard calling the for the ball and barking orders at his team mates.
During a freekick for Antwerp, he can be heard trying to stop his players from feeling scared of being hit by the ball.
He shouted: “Hey in the face, take it in the face, come on.”
The experienced defender was also showcasing his ability to teach others on the pitch.
He had already made a couple of successful runs with the ball through the opposition midfield and he instructed his 19-year-old defensive partner Zeno Debast to do the same.
He said: ‘If they start covering me now because I have made two dribbles then you just do the same.
“You know, Bam, get in there.”
“That outside player always comes in so just look at the other side or go on, on, on.
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“Hey play! Class, easy now, ball out, ball out. Throw the ball out we have to.”
Anderlecht are currently ninth in the league table as they have struggled to perform at their best this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
