Photo: Toby Alderweireld can’t wait for Southampton debut
Photo: Southampton defender Toby Alderweireld is looking forward to making his Saints debut at St Mary's on Saturday
Toby Alderweireld says he is looking forward to making his Southampton debut against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Belgium international sealed a deadline-day loan move to the Saints, swapping the Spanish capital for the south coast of England.
Alderweireld could complete a permanent switch to St Mary’s from Atletico Madrid, with the Saints already agreeing a deal.
And the 25-year-old can’t wait to get his Southampton career under way ahead of the visit of the Magpies at St Mary’s.
Alderweireld was part of Diego Simeone’s squad which won the La Liga title last season before losing to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
And the Belgian defender is ready for the physical challenge of playing in the Premier League next season.
“I will get the chance to show, but if I have two weeks in a row when I do not perform well, I will move to the bench,” said Alderweireld.
“The football requires more from you physically than in Spain.
“The Premier League is also changing. I have four years in a row in the Champions League and have played in the World Cup, I know what excellence means.”
