Jonathan Northcroft of The Times teased Tottenham Hotspur fans with the promise of an “interesting” lineup for tonight’s visit of Liverpool.
But I’m not sure anybody was expecting a Premier League debut for Japhet Tanganga, picked ahead of Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier in a back three.
MORE: “Off To A Firing Squad” – Video Of Players Arriving For Liverpool Sparks Fears From These Spurs Fans
The 20-year-old defender has only 66 minutes of first-team football to his name, in September’s Carabao Cup humiliation against Colchester United.
And now he is thrown in against the best attack in Europe.
It is a big call from Jose Mourinho, who also recalls Danny Rose ahead of Ryan Sessegnon, in what looks like it could be a park-the-bus setup.
These Spurs fans on Twitter were surprised to see Tanganga’s name on the teamsheet, but perhaps pleasantly so.
Tanganga, wow! This is… interesting! #COYS
— ⚽️🥊🎞️ Kev J. Stewart (@KevJStewart) January 11, 2020
TANGANGA!
— Louis (@THFCLouis_) January 11, 2020
WOAHHHHH TANGANGA WHATTTT
— Sam 🏴🇳🇬 (@coys_sam) January 11, 2020
Go and smash it Tanganga. Nail down that centre back spot, it’s up for grabs 👊
— Cenk (@ForzaYids) January 11, 2020
OMGGGGGG TANGANGA OVER VERTONGHEN, THE FUTURE IS NOW BOYS
— Dan (@thfcdxn) January 11, 2020
TANGANGA LET’S GOOOO
— Char (@Charpercy84) January 11, 2020
Here is the full lineup, with Davinson Sanchez thankfully recalled and Harry Winks returning in a lightweight midfield with Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli.
A 5-3-2 low block and try to hit Liverpool on the counter, is how it looks.
Tanganga, not making him a fortune to hostage, is an excellent player, did really well in pre-season and I’m glad he’s starting, at least he’ll have some urgency, be focussed and doing his best
We’re not a counter attacking team, so this could be very interesting.