Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he believes former club teammate Nacer Chadli was unlucky in that his Tottenham Hotspur career didn't quite go to plan.
Chadli departed for West Bromwich Albion in the summer for £13million, a record transfer for the Baggies, after a frustrating few years at White Hart Lane, having signed in the summer of 2013 whilst Gareth Bale was on his way out to Real Madrid.
The winger struggled at times in adapting to Tottenham's playing style, and despite some excellent individual performances, could never find a consistent place in the starting XI.
Chadli's struggles not his own fault, says defender
However, Alderweireld - now a stalwart in the Spurs defence - has stated that he doesn't believe it was Chadli's fault that things didn't go to plan, telling the Daily Star that he was 'unlucky', going on to add "He has a lot of quality as a player and works very hard as well, a true professional."
Continuing to speak about his fellow Belgian, who he's been on international duty with for the past week, Alderweireld admitted that "it's difficult when there are so many good players in a squad", referencing to the difficulties that Chadli faced at Spurs.
"It was his decision and we miss him at Spurs. We who played with him at Spurs and still for the national team know that very well."
Winger in excellent form at new club
Things are certainly looking up for Chadli in the Midlands, having immediately made himself a fan favourite with three goals in his first four appearances for Tony Pulis' side.
Asked about Chadli's current form, Alderweireld said that it comes as "no surprise" to him, adding "he has made a quick impact, scored goals and impressed people."
Chadli will be hoping to continue that good form, with Alderweireld hoping to keep him out, at West Brom host Spurs at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon.