We must be at our best to beat Stoke City, claims Alderweireld

The Spurs centre-back, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid this summer, is expecting a difficult clash against the Potters, who have also strengthened in the transfer window

Toby Alderweireld knows that Tottenham are in for a stern examination from Stoke City when they visit White Hart Lane this weekend, claiming that Pochettino's side must be at their best to beat the Potters.

Both sides lost their opening fixtures of the new campaign 1-0, with Spurs going down courtesy of Kyle Walker's own goal at Manchester United and Stoke losing at home to a late Philippe Coutinho stunner against Liverpool.

The visitors have strengthened impressively in the transfer window, with club-record £12million signing Xherdan Shaqiri causing a stir at the Britannia Stadium and Alderweireld knows that the Potters will make it difficult for Tottenham.

Speaking to reporters, the Belgian said: "Stoke have made some big signings and they’re a very good team so we'll have to be at our best to beat them, but we're confident in ourselves and our ability to make a difference on the pitch."

"Especially at home, we know we are capable of winning games in the Premier League so we'll make sure we do everything we can to take three points on Saturday.

"Last week at Manchester United, we defended well and made sure United only had one shot on goal.

"That's very impressive, especially at Old Trafford, so we can be happy about that, but we have to be confident for the Stoke game now and look to keep a clean sheet.

"Hopefully we'll find the back of the net as well. When we get our chances we have to take them."