With the footballing world in a state of uncertainty, there has been a lot of discussion about what happens to players who are on loan deals or whose contracts come to an end when the season usually finishes.

Tottenham of course, have Jan Vertonghen in their ranks whose future certainly has a question mark at this point in time. Reports in recent weeks have even suggested the north London side are considering letting the Belgium international leave on a free transfer in the summer.

But whilst the centre-back has seen his game-time reduce significantly this season with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho seemingly favouring other options – he has played just 26 times across all competitions – this new developing situation should actually make Spurs reconsider their stance on him.

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The 6 foot 2 beast, on his day, is still an incredibly difficult player for opposition strikers and attackers to get past. He’s aggressive and strong in the challenge – even this year has seen him average 2.1 tackles per game – whilst his reading of plays is also up there with anyone else Spurs have got – he has averaged 1.6 interceptions per match in the top-flight.

Couple that with the fact he is left-footed, and players of Vertonghen’s quality and profile are incredibly hard to find. He offers a balance for managers by being a more natural fit as either the left sided centre-back in a back-three, or just on the left of a two.

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The contract situation that has hung over his head, and the swirling rumours of off-the-pitch issues with former teammate Christian Eriksen, will have done him no good in terms of how he performs on the pitch. He just wouldn’t have been in the perfect state of mind to be at his best week-in and week-out.

But what this current break does is allow him to refocus and re-charge his batteries, before returning to first-team training or even matches (if and when that happens) with a new purpose and mentality. Vertonghen should feel more refreshed and raring to go, and if he does come back with a different mindset, then there is no reason why he won’t be able to change Mourinho and Spurs mind’s on him.

Meanwhile, this £72m-rated star could wreak havoc with Harry Kane.