A Premier League debut against Liverpool, a one-on-one duel with one of the quickest wingers around and playing in three different positions, Japhet Tanganga has faced some stern tests already in his Tottenham career.
But none tougher than today, playing at left-back against the feared right-sided Man City trio of Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez.
And yet again he passed the test, with flying colours.
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Four clearances, three interceptions, one block, fourteen duels won and Mahrez hooked 20 minutes from time. The kid just gets better and better.
These Spurs fans on Twitter think we’ve got a star on our hands.
Tanganga might actually be Jose’s Varane 2.0
— J.Mou (@FutbollHeritage) February 2, 2020
Tanganga’s defensive awareness is next level, what a player man
— Ben (@thfcBG) February 2, 2020
Japhet Tanganga has passed every test in the Premier League this season and has held his own against the best sides in the country. What a player 👏
— Fabrizio Romano (@SambaRole) February 2, 2020
Tanganga had to empty his pocket so that Mahrez could be subbed off. pic.twitter.com/NRiFFqYtCX
— PDX Spurs (@PDXSpurs) February 2, 2020
Tanganga yet again was unbelievable, what a player we have💙
— Cobh (@CobhCregann) February 2, 2020
Can I just say that’s one of winks best every spurs performances ever, On top of that Tanganga AGAIN pocketing big names! What a talent and deffo man of the match.
— Jaaaay 🎭 (@oJaayCo) February 2, 2020
The 20-year-old’s performance is even more impressive when you consider he is playing in his third-best position. Jose Mourinho has emphasized how important Ben Davies will be to his system, but the Welshman may have some trouble winning back his place on the left when he is passed fit.
Tanganga 39. I’m off to get ma’ shirt…printed!
When Davies is back we need him on the left, freeing Tangy up for the right and benching Aurier.
Love this guy! He has a huge future ahead of him.
As Gazza would say.