Poch's philosophy has been well drilled so in terms of goals shipped not really. I would say Toby's distribution and those long diags have been missed, he's a much more complete player than the rest, and much more comfortable on the ball going forward.
Disagree with the going forward on the ball bit, Vertonghen is the best at that with Foyth not far behind and Sanchez close on his heels, all three are better with the ball at their feet taking the ball into midfield or beating an oppo press (BTW that's not saying he's bad at it, just that IMO he's not as good as those 3 mentioned). Toby's biggest asset is his defending 1 v 1, I haven't seen a defender better than him, I'd be so bold as to say there isn't a better defender 1v1 in the World. You mentioned earlier his long ball range is also top draw and I would agree. In the air he is average, better than Vertonghen but maybe not as good as Sanchez(??). The partnership of Vertonghen and Alderwierled is superb as the pair know each others games, so they can cover each others weaknesses, they are both highly adept at playing LB and RB which makes them unique and why it's the best all-round CB partnership.
All this said and done we haven't missed him at all this season, we missed him desperately last season. We have recruited very, very well in Foyth and Sanchez and I've always been a fan boy of CCV (although he didn't impress in the couple of games he was given in LC and FA Cup), so we have cover with already proven or half proven players. This cover will also depend highly on Dier's contract, our most versatile player and vital to our balance and tactically flexibility, we'll get more mileage in paying Dier higher wages than Toby because of this, especially as Dier is still only 24yrs old!!!
Whilst the romance of football would have us keep him by paying an exorbitant salary and for him to see out his career at Spurs, we aren't Man U or City with their limitless pockets and if it were me and if he's demanding a salary we can't afford, then I'd sell him and take to the cleaners the buying club, he's got to be worth £60m (maybe less given his age). Whilst Toby has been utterly brilliant for us since he's joined, he was a nobody before he did, unplayed and not wanted at Atletico and an OK CB on loan at Southampton. He may continue his impressive form for another 2 or 3 years but there is also enough evidence to support that fact that he might not. There are loads of examples of players performance falling off a cliff at his age, just look at Vidic for evidence, went from one of the best CB's in the World to shit in the space of a season (2012) exactly the same age as Toby is now, so there is a big risk for us to sign a new deal with him too. Another way to look at it is this, is he going to get any better? The logical answer is no.
