Jan Vertonghen: Anderlecht star mic'd up against Antwerp is fascinating | OneFootball

Anderlecht captain Jan Vertonghen was mic’d up during his side’s latest game against Antwerp and it’s a must-watch.

Let’s be honest, we’re all desperate to hear what footballers say to each other on the pitch.

While coverage of football is more insightful than ever before, fans are still shrouded in mystery when it comes to on-the-pitch discussions.

The reasoning behind this stems from the fear that players will use colourful language during the game – something that broadcasters are understandably reluctant to promote.

But perhaps things may be about to change, with Vertonghen being mic’d up for the first time.

Taking to Twitter, the official Anderlecht account posted a video of the former Spurs man marshalling his team and it makes for worthy viewing.

Vertonghen mic’d up vs Antwerp

In the end, Anderlecht drew with Antwerp 0-0 and currently sit 11th in the Belgian Pro League.

Though the game itself was somewhat of a snooze fest, Vertonghen being mic’d up made for fascinating viewing.

The 35-year-old can be heard speaking in multiple languages, including English – the mark of a true leader.

At one stage, he bellows at the Anderlecht wall as they gear up to defend a free-kick: “Hey in the face – take it in the face.”

On another occasion, he is shown rallying his side in the team huddle, urging them to use the crowd to their advantage: “Boys feel this atmosphere, feel it. This is what we’re here for.”

He added: “Win that first contact. Let’s f**king get it boys. Let them feel you’re here.”

Fans react to Vertonghen being mic’d up

As you’d expect, fans were intrigued by the video and shared their thoughts on social media.

“Dude speaks like 15 languages, damn,” said one Twitter user.

“They need to bring this to the Barclays,” stressed another.

A third added: “Quality content.”

Meanwhile, A fourth wrote: “I love watching these things.”

Vertonghen sad to leave Portugal

Having played more than 300 times for Spurs and 145 times for the Belgium national team, Vertonghen has enjoyed quite the career.

After leaving Spurs, he spent two years with Benfica and has admitted his sadness at having to leave the Portuguese club last summer.

“In 24 hours I went from staying at Benfica to signing for Anderlecht.

“On the morning of August 31st, my manager called me about Anderlecht’s offer and I declined. I was on my way to training at Benfica and I was supposed to call him in the afternoon.

“Then I spoke to the coach and everything changed. I was on the pitch with tears in my eyes, I wanted to stay in Lisbon and I saw all my stability crumbling.”

While Vertonghen may have wanted to remain in Portugal, Benfica’s loss is certainly Anderlecht’s gain.

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