Jan Vertonghen celebrates 100 appearances with Tottenham Hotspur

Jan Vertonghen hit a major milestone with Tottenham Hotspur during Monday's 3-1 league win over bottom-dwellers Aston Villa: the match marked his 100th appearance in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt.

.@Jan_Vertonghen on #Jan100: "It's gone very quick. Only in 3 & a half years. I want to continue and get to 200!" pic.twitter.com/cJLlslxVT7

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 2, 2015

.@Jan_Vertonghen: "I love to play a lot of games and I want more. Thanks to everyone who has helped me!" #Jan100 pic.twitter.com/Ou88fDosOt

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 2, 2015

It hardly seems like it's been 3 1/2 years since the Belgian joined Spurs from Ajax back in 2012. Vertonghen had a reputation as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie during his tenure at Ajax, and his signing by then-manager Andre Villas-Boas was a major coup. Since joining Spurs, Jan has been the rock in the center of Spurs' central defense, but has also been accused of being sulky when things aren't going well. However, this season alongside his Belgian compatriot Toby Alderweireld, Vertonghen has quietly helped transform Tottenham from a defensive laughing stock to one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Congratulations to Jan on 100 appearances with the club. Only 754 to go and he ties Steve Perryman!