Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen won't hear criticism of Atlanta United coach Frank de Boer.

While he flopped with Inter Milan and Crystal Palace, De Boer remains highly regarded by Vertonghen thanks to their time together at Ajax.

"He made me feel like I was one of the best central defenders in Europe and therefore I felt very strong. In terms of performance it was under Frank I had my best years at Ajax," Vertonghen told De Telegraaf.

"The trainer knew that I was my best when I was angry. Then he deliberately did not whistle when a foul was made on me or he gave a corner on purpose to the opponent. I remember one training session that I disagreed with him so much was that I struck a ball onto the golf course at Borchland.

"I had to get that ball from Frank immediately, but I said that it would come back later.

"Not so, and when I came back fifteen minutes later, I was white hot. It was probably my best workout ever after that. He looked on with a smile and later made it clear to me that I shouldn't need it. It was a wise lesson, just as he helped me out of my grieving moments during matches. It was great to work with him."