Tottenham's defence is like a 'warm bath' - this team is something special, says Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen has likened Tottenham's defence to a "warm bath" after returning from injury during Sunday's 3-0 victory over Manchester United.

Mauricio Pochettino's side swept the Red Devils aside courtesy of three quickfire goals and kept their 12th clean sheet of the campaign in the process.

Spurs boast the best defensive record in the entire division and Vertonghen, who has missed the last two months due to a knee injury, is adamant his side's tight-knit defensive unit helped him to slot straight back into the side.

"It was an unbelievable day to come back into the team. I have to thank my team-mates. It was a great game," he told the club's official website.

"Toby [Alderweireld] and I have been playing together for such a long time and with the full-backs, Hugo [Lloris], Eric [Dier] just in front, Mousa [Dembele] as well it’s like a warm bath!

"I’ve known them such a long time and they helped me through the game."

Vertonghen's return saw fellow centre back Kevin Wimmer drop back to the bench, despite the Austrian rarely putting a foot wrong during his teammate's spell on the sidelines.

Vertonghen believes the 23-year-old deserves credit for his recent performances but also thanked Pochettino for giving him a chance to make an immediate return to the starting line-up.

"I have to thank the gaffer for his confidence in me, because Kevin has been outstanding, together with Toby they’ve been unbelievable, they kept the run going like we were doing until I was out against Palace.

"They kept it going, so big compliments to them," he added.

Spurs travel to Stoke City on Monday night and will need to secure all three points at the Britannia Stadium if they are to keep up the pressure on leaders Leicester.