Japhet Tanganga opens up on turning point in Tottenham career
Japhet Tanganga has enjoyed a breakout season at Tottenham Hotspur. Although he made his competitive debut under Mauricio Pochettino, it is under Jose Mourinho that he has really hit his stride.
The 21-year-old has made 11 appearances so far. He impressed on his Premier League debut against European champions Liverpool. Although he misjudged the ball for Roberto Firmino’s winner, Tanganga showed enough promise to prove he deserved to be where he was.
He has since made nine more appearances and is one of our best prospects. A versatile defender, he has garnered praise from Mourinho for his maturity and ability to play in any position across the defence.
According to the club’s official site, Tanganga believes one moment proved to be a turning point in his Spurs career. The youngster worked with the Tottenham ground staff during his time with the Under-18s. It was a period that taught him how hard he needs to work in order to achieve his goals.
“That was when the penny dropped, just seeing how passionate the ground staff were in their job.”
Tanganga revealed that he was inspired by the dedication to work and the attention to detail shown by the ground staff. He went on to add that this reminded him of his love for football and pushed him to excel at the sport.
“I’ve been given a gift to be able to play football so I shouldn’t misuse it.”
Tanganga: Origins
He went on to explain that his stint with the Under-18s as the toughest of his career. He does not shrink away in showing his gratitude to the staff for teaching him such an important lesson.
Tanganga also praised those who work in the background to ensure the club has the facilities that the fans and players are so proud of. Tanganga insists he is not the finished article. If he does reach the level expected of him, the ground staff will have earned another feather in their cap.
“They are just amazing and they – along with my coaches, of course – helped to shape me into who I am today”
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The 21-year-old has represented England at various age groups. He has garnered 33 appearances from the Under-16 to the Under-20 levels.