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Rio Ferdinand singles out TWO ‘immense’ and ‘phenomenal’ Tottenham stars vs Dortmund
TOTTENHAM’s Hugo Lloris and Jan Vertonghen were responsible for their side’s progression to the last-16 of the Champions League on Tuesday.
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That is according to BT Sport pundit and ex-Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand.
Tottenham headed into the second leg of the tie 3-0 up from the first match at Wembley last month.
As expected Borussia Dortmund piled the pressure on the Spurs goal in the early stages.
However, they were thwarted by the Spurs defence and in particular goalkeeper Lloris and centre-back Vertonghen.
Vertonghen’s been immense in terms of making last-ditch tackles. Lloris, the goalkeeper, today has been phenomenal
Lloris pulled off a string of fine saves and Vertonghen made a goal-saving tackle on Marco Reus.
Ferdinand admitted Tottenham were lucky to go into half time without conceding.
But he says it was mostly down to the duo of Lloris and Vertonghen.
“We’ve been sitting here salivating over the way this Dortmund team have played,” Ferdinand said.
“They’re attacking form, the way they’ve moved, all they’re missing is just the icing on the cake which is the finish.
“This [block from Vertonghen] is ridiculous, we thought this was a goal.
“Vertonghen’s been immense in terms of making last-ditch tackles.
“Lloris, the goalkeeper, today has been phenomenal, making ridiculous saves.
“But the movement here from this team has been unbelievable.
“They’re lucky not to concede a goal, they’ve done so well not to do that.
"It’s testament to the players we’ve mentioned.”
Spurs went on to win the game 1-0 on the night thanks to a second-half Harry Kane goal.