Jan Vertonghen Deems Young Spurs Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers a 'Beast'

Jan Vertonghen believes Tottenham Hotspur teenager Cameron Carter-Vickers has a big future ahead of him, describing the 18-year-old centre-back as a 'beast.' 

The Belgium international gushed about the Spurs prospect after he made his senior debut in the EFL Cup victory over Gillingham on Wednesday night, explaining that he has already impressed manager Mauricio Pochettino. 

"He's still young but he's an absolute beast," said Vertonghen, "He's a real defender. He's strong one-on-one, in the air, he's not afraid and he can play from the back. That's the style the gaffer wants to see from him."

Although Cameron-Vickers, who has worked his way up the youth ranks at Spurs after joining the North Londoners aged 11, is untested in the treacherous waters of the Premier League, Vertonghen believes he is adequately equipped should he be thrust into first-team action this season. 

"He's a very good player and he has time to grow into our team, to play games like he did against Gillingham," Vertonghen added. "He'll be there when we need him. It's good to see him making such progress.

Vertonghen continued: "In the last few months, he's really stepped up. Before, he was just a young guy who trained with us but now he's picked up his level. It's great for young guys like that coming through the academy."

The England-born defender is being fast-tracked by USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann having represented the States at under-23 level; Klinsmann is determined to secure Carter-Vickers before Sam Allardyce calls upon him for England.