JAN VERTONGHEN got a close up view of just how impressive Dedryck Boyata was at the World Cup in the summer, as he partnered the Celtic star in the heart of the Belgium defence for their three Group stage victories.
And ahead of tonight’s friendly at Hampden between Scotland and Belgium, Spurs star Vertonghen spoke about how the Celtic player impressed him in Russia.
“Dedryck has been with us for a while now, he is a great defender and a very smart guy.
“He had a great World Cup, he played because of injury, but he showed Belgium and the world how good a defender he is and he was immense for us.”
Meanwhile Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, who revealed that he almost became Celtic manager in 2009 – see HERE – put his toes into the water regarding the controversy that has surrounded Boyata since his return from the World Cup but mostly focused on the way forward for Boyata at Celtic.
“I think we all need to understand that when a player performs as well for a club then in the window you will get other clubs interested and there will be a question of setting values.
“That will be an inconsistent period for everyone. Now the window is closed, Dedryck can focus and all he wants is to do is perform well for Celtic. That is what he’s been doing. What happened is more a symptom of the modern game than something to do with Celtic and Dedryck.
“I think we can see how much Dedryck has grown since working with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic – he is a very important figure in that team.
“When you have interest in an important player there is always an instability in the transfer window. Now we will see Dedryck giving everything he has in order to win trophies for Celtic.
“This week, I have seen Dedryck focused and looking forward to contribute to the team and you should not underestimate how well he has progressed over the last 16/18 months.
“There is no question he will give his all. He enjoys responsibility in the team and he knows his responsibility in the team and he respects Celtic immensely. He is looking forward to playing for Celtic.
“Now you have a Dedryck Boyata that is hungrier than ever who is in the best moments of his career.
“He played well at the World Cup, won titles with Celtic and he has always been respectful of the club and Celtic itself.”
Martinez has been impressed by the performances Boyata has put in since returning to the Celtic side – he scored the match winner against Hamilton, has been outstanding in all three games and Celtic kept clean sheets in them all.
“The Rangers game showed him back to his best,” Martinez said. “The window allows a moment to look at options and once that is closed you will see a stronger Dedryck Boyata.
“When a player is desperate to learn and win silverware then there can be a good relationship for the future.
“You never know what will happen in football because there is such a level of unpredictability.
“Sometimes careers are fragile – you are one injury away from changing the direction of your career and that’s always part of the footballer’s mind.
“What you do get when Dedryck plays is that his full focus is on winning games for Celtic and that has been proven in the last week.
“He’s very mature in that respect. It won’t change no matter his contract situation.”
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