6 out of 7 attempted dribbles from Japhet Tanganga were successful, and here are the best of the bunch.
— HarryHotspurBlog (@TheBoyHotspur) January 15, 2020
An overhit cross-field ball gets turned into a direct assault on Middlesbrough’s penalty area, our number 39 bundles his way forward, demonstrating again, not just physical strength, but a footballing brain.
— HarryHotspurBlog (@TheBoyHotspur) January 15, 2020
This time around, we see the 20-year-old’s absolute refusal to compromise, and hit the ball back to Gazzaniga.
Instead, we witness a light touch as again, Japhet gains territory for Tottenham.
What I like about Japhet is that he actually seems to enjoy playing the game. He is not afraid of the ball, he doesn’t hide and he doesn’t seem overawed by the opposition, no matter how lofty, ie Salah, Mane. Dave Mackay would have loved this lad’s attitude.
Tanganga moving forward with the ball was a real eye-opener last night. Most of the time he just played it simple, which is perfectly understandable, but then a few runs he made, like that last minute surge up the right, were sensational. He’s noticeably quick, strong and athletic, but not that tall though, so one wonders whether CB (his junior level position) would actually be his best position at the EPL level. Seems like he has the versatility and potential to play in a back 3, or as a marauding FB in the Kyle Walker mode, or even a DM. Looks like a very level-headed, mature, young man also.
He looked good last night got better as the game progressed but sadly failed on their goal but he is young and will hopefully learn.