Spurs fans were full of praise for young defender Japhet Tanganga after his impressive Premier League debut in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.
The 20-year-old defender was thrown into the starting eleven by Jose Mourinho for the game against the league leaders and made an instant impression, clearing off the line from Roberto Firmino’s effort early in the first half. The young defender had only made one senior appearance for Spurs before the game on Saturday; in the Carabao Cup defeat to Colchester earlier this season.
Tanganga was unfortunate to be on the losing side; earning a 7.38 rating from whoscored for his efforts against Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the youngster often keeping Sadio Mane quiet on the left-wing. Spurs fans will no doubt be hoping that after his exciting Premier League debut, Tanganga will agree to sign a new contract with the club, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Should Tanganga be starting more often?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to the performance from Tanganga can be seen in the tweets below.
Gunna be straight up here, Tanganga and Sanchez need to start every week.
— Jaaaay (@oJaayCo) January 13, 2020
Foyth is Argentina’s right back. Not sure we’ve really tried him in that position. He may still not cut it but hRd to say. On first impressions (& I saw him at Colchester as well) Tanganga looks very promising.
— Bernie Kingsley (@BernieK_cadd) January 13, 2020
Tanganga was so good on Sat. What a debut.
— Aaron (@MrAaron_Rea) January 13, 2020
One fan even suggested that the player reminded them of Ledley King, which is a big statement as the former Spurs man made 315 appearances for the Lilywhites, and is regarded as a legend.
Reminds me of Ledley King and possibly a future Spurs captain
— Freddie (@FreddieNx) January 11, 2020
It’s kinda obvious @SpursOfficial that Tanganga is essentially the future of a back 3. Please get his contract sorted. #THFC
— Adam Roark (@Adam_Roark) January 12, 2020
You were outstanding
— Liam (@DeleMode) January 11, 2020
Get used to it boss you should be starting each week great performance
— SissokoSZN (@KingMoussaCOYS) January 11, 2020
These Spurs fans clearly loved Tanganga’s performance against Liverpool and will be hoping to see a lot more of the youngster in the coming weeks.
What do we think?
Tanganga, who is valued at £720k (as per Transfermarkt), did superbly well against a potent Liverpool attack and has surely done enough to convince Mourinho he is worthy of a few more starts in the Premier League. If Spurs can secure him on a new deal, then he could well prove to be the long-term replacement for Jan Vertonghen, who looks likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.