Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen admits he owes his success to Fulham boss Martin Jol.

Vertonghen could not praise Dutchman Jol enough for the work he did with him when they were at Ajax.

Jol stayed only 18 months there but ­Vertonghen said: "I played for him and he gave me a lot of ­confidence. He helped me to ­become the player I am.

"He can motivate the team and individual players, and he also helped the like of Luis Suarez.

"He found my best position for me. Before he came I was a ­midfielder or left-back. He made me a centre-half. When he ­became manager I made the most progress as a player in his first season."