Jan Vertonghen signed for Anderlecht this summer
(Picture: Belga/AFP via Getty Images)Jan Vertonghen describes West Ham as a “sleeping giant” ahead of a renewed battle with his old rivals on Thursday evening.
The former Tottenham defender will meet David Moyes’ side again when the Hammers travel to Anderlecht in the Europa Conference League, having played against them nine times across an eight-year spell with Spurs.
Anderlecht sit only one point behind West Ham in Group B and offer perhaps the sternest test in Moyes’ attempts to win the group.
Still, they have endured a difficult season since manager Vincent Kompany left for Burnley and are currently tenth in the Jupiler Pro League.
Vertonghen returned to Belgium this summer after leaving Benfica, since having made three League appearances and will look to provide the experience necessary to deny West Ham’s frontline.
Speaking ahead of the game, the 35-year-old said: “I’ve always seen West Ham as a sleeping giant.
“The last two years, they finished in the top six or top seven, but now the results haven’t been as good. It’s nice to play against a big name, to meet a team of that level.”
