Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King has classified Toby Alderweireld as the best central defender in the Premier League.

The Belgium international has been one of the stars of the season for Spurs since arriving from Atletico Madrid last summer following a successful season-long loan with Southampton.

Former defender King, who amassed over 320 appearances for the North London club, has been dazzled by Alderweireld to the point where he feels the 27-year-old is now the league's preeminent centre-back.

“I've been highly impressed by him. I think he has been the best centre-half in the Premier League this season," King told Tribalfootball.com.

“He and Jan Vertonghen struck up a great partnership early on and then Kevin Wimmer filled in for Jan but Toby has been the mainstay in the side.

“He's performed at a very high level and has been a great signing for the club."

Alderweireld vindicated King's words by gaining selection at centre-back, alongside Leicester City captain Wes Morgan, in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on Thursday.

King was speaking as Tottenham's ambassador at the Melbourne launch of the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia, presented by Audi at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Spurs will compete in the Australian leg of the worldwide tournament against Italian giants Juventus, Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid and current A-League champions Melbourne Victory in late July.

Tickets for the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia, presented by Audi are available to purchase fromticketek.com.au.