Despite his Premier League snub, Alderweireld featured in six of Belgium's seven World Cup matches in Russia as manager Roberto Martinez's side secured a historic third-placed finish at the tournament.
"I was very focused on this tournament," Alderweireld told British media. "I wanted to prove something to me, show that the period before the tournament in which I, for whatever reason, did not play, it was unjustified.
"I wanted to show that I'm still Toby, same as in November."
Alderweireld has been linked with a move to several European clubs and the centre back says he is uncertain about his future although he is planning to start next season at Tottenham.
The north London club play AS Roma, Barcelona and AC Milan in the pre-season International Champions Cup tournament along with a friendly against Girona before their Premier League opener against Newcastle United on Aug. 11.
(This refiled version of the story changes full-back to centre back in penultimate paragraph).
(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
