I see why you compare the two, similar in many ways, but Vertonghen is much taller and stronger than Vermaelen is.
He also looks more like a leader on the pitch.
Vermaelen has been troubled with injuries. May be the reason why his performances went downhill.
I think he's got it all. This is his first PL season and he will only get better with more experience under his belt. I predict he will become one of the best defenders in the future.
Clint Dempsey is like Tim Cahill with good football abilities. Determination and aggression is what made Cahill an important Everton player, even though he was shit at football. Dempsey on the other hand has the same mentality but is a much better footballer.
I think he would do the business if he came here.
I only watched the first half of UAE vs Uruguay but I thought UAE played some entertaining stuff. Was very impressed by their nr. 15.
Omar Abdulrahman Al Amoodi
Edit:
Enrique has been worringly shit since November last year. He is world class in some areas, but utter garbage in others. All in all thats not good enough.