José Mourinho clearly warms to Japhet Tanganga, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. The boy has the required technical ability, not to mention the type of character that is also worth investing in. In today’s pre-Newcastle presser referred to Japhet as ‘humble’.
After the January transfer window closed, The Athletic reported in their transfer deadline day tracker column, that it was the Portuguese that had blocked any discussions involving Japhet leaving Tottenham. Something one would imagine that the 22-year-old took great pleasure in sharing with his family at the time.
Beyond sustaining his performances, the next steps in Japhet’s will be crucial in his long-term development. There will be some – of course – very quick to tell us all that Mourinho doesn’t do youth development as if this were a mother telling a baby-minder that her child ‘doesn’t eat vegetables. The reality is that José is has been (very broadly speaking) a Mr. Fix-It character, opposed to a coach spinning a tale about the development of a ‘philosophy’ or whatever.
The question is, where on the pitch for us will Japhet play? Some fans on social media are split…
Japhet should have been playing all along instead of Doherty, especially in the right-sided defensive debacle against the Arse. Buying Doherty was actually a huge waste of money, as we could have used that money towards buying Skriniar. The bottom line is Tanganga > Doherty, Rodon > Dier, but unfortunately it’s taken Jose virtually the whole season to see the obvious.
Consistently better than Serge and Doherty, don’t know why he’s not playing more often
We just need couple quality defensive/transition ballers. Lock off the back and let them man do their thing. Dier winks ect gotta flee the nest. Davies gotta go too. Skip gonna be fine as will sess. We’ll be strong next season.
100% Tappa! Rodon Japh Skipp Sess to be assessed pre season plus a few additions all for senior quad. Like your term long timers instead of oft used dead wood. 👍🏾
Here’s to the myth that Maureen won’t work with the young 🥂 Enter the Japh.
They will get more games. Japh&rodon= the future. Our squad is stronger than many people think. Just gotta get rid of a few long timers and bring couple bits a quality in. Good preseason. Boooooom
Japhs the real deal. He can play anywhere he wants
Just like to see him get more game time, that’s the only way he improves, same as Rodon.
Japhet will do well will Jose and will evolve with him as head coach. Not everyone performs for manager just like the real world but a lot do perform with him as he has won alot. we’ve bought a load of duds prior to Jose’s time so saying Jose doesn’t make players better is a bit naive.