Episode 2 of Premier League youngsters on the radar: Japhet Tanganga
By Varun Aithal
Spurs are on top of the table in the Premier League and are strong contenders to win it. With bench strength playing a huge role, can Tanganga be a crucial asset for Mourinho?
Tottenham Hotspur fans are always humiliated by the fans of other traditional “top six” teams. The only reason why Spurs fans are always called out by others is the lack of trophies in the team’s trophy cabinet.
The team has failed to win a single Premier League trophy in the last 21000 days. Yes, you read it right! The Lillywhites won silverware last in 1950/51. They failed to get their hands on the trophy in 2016/17 when they finished second. However, in 2020/21, things are going Spurs’ way. They are leading the pack after 10 gameweeks and might be well on their way to win the title.
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If a team has to claim the bragging rights of the English top-flight, the bench strength plays a crucial role. Jose Mourinho always tries to rotate his squad in other cup competitions and drives the top performers to feature in the top flight.
One such defender, who is all set to give everything for the manager with limited game time, is Japhet Tanganga. The 21-year-old has featured in six English top-flight games for Spurs and has shown a glimpse of what he can offer his manager.
The Spurs’ wonderkid is a versatile defender and can play across the backline. Though the player lacks the ability to hold the ball, he compensates with his ability to dribble past opposition players and string passes together with his teammates. Also, the English international is an imposing defender with his capability to thwart away aerial threats.
In football, there are few young defenders who have the ability to deal with both aerial and ground threats. The player is also known for his crunching tackles in the defensive third, along with intercepting crucial passes.
Impressed by his skills, Jose Mourinho handed him the Premier League debut last season against Liverpool, where the player featured as a full-back on both the flanks. Praising Japhet Tanganga, the Portuguese tactician said:
"He can play centre-back, but for me in the context of what high level football is and especially Premier League is, I see him more as a multi-functional defensive player but I see him more as a full-back(Via: Football.London)"
However, the arrival of Joe Rondon from Swansea City has affected Tanganga’s first-team adventure. The defender has found minutes of the pitch hard to come by.
Thankfully, it has helped the player to improve significantly because of the competition in the team. With a busy festive season on the cards for Tottenham, Tanganga will have a major role to play for his manager, at least in cup games if not in the top-flight.
The player can prove his mettle before the winter transfer window opens in January. The player might be sent out on a loan to get more game time and experience after he signed a new five-year deal with the club. Tottenham has not lost a game in 2020/21 whenever Japhet Tanganga has featured for them.
Japhet Tanganga stats this season: (Across all competitions)
Games played – 3
Minutes played – 249
Goals scored -0
Aerial Duels Won-10
Pass Accuracy – 90.3%
Tackles -3
Interceptions -4
Blocks -3
Clean sheets – 1
Wins -2
Loses -0
Draws -1
It is well known that Jose doesn’t give many opportunities to the youngsters, displaying a lack of trust. However, if he trusts the player once, there is no going back. We have seen that in the case of Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Nacho (Real Madrid), and Andreas Christensen (Chelsea).
Next. Episode 1 of EPL youngster on the radar:. dark
Though they have played fewer games under the Portuguese tactician, they are shining in the top flight across Europe at present. Will Japhet Tanganga establish himself as a top defender at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?