Japhet Tanganga reveals that Tottenham boss Antonio Conte considers him as one of the centre-back options.
Japhet Tanganga, speaking at a Tottenham Hotspur Global football development session (h/t football.london), revealed that Antonio Conte sees him as one of the centre-backs in the team. The Italian gives the 23-year-old most instructions about the position.
“He sees me as one of the centre-backs, either right or left. That’s the position he gives me the most information in and tells me what to do.”
The England U21 international is a versatile defender who can also play in the wing-back positions. Under the various managers, Tanganga has played for, playing in the right-back position has been common.
“Of course, you saw against Norwich that I can play in the right wing-back role if needed. I think he sees me in those roles though either side of the middle defender in the back three.”
The 23-year-old has been at Tottenham since he was ten and came through Spurs’ youth ranks. Tanganga has been in and around the squad for a while, but injuries have hampered his development.
The young Englishman has featured 43 times for the senior side. Last season saw him feature the most for the senior side as the defender made 19 appearances for the North London side.
Tanganga started nine of Conte’s first 16 games with Tottenham before a knee injury cut his season short. The 23-year-old is now fit and rearing to go once again.
There have been speculations about the defender’s future in North London. There are talks of AC Milan and Bournemouth being interested in the player but Tanganga is focused on Spurs.
“It’s just speculation and I don’t read too much into speculation. My focus is I’m just happy to be back, being injury free and helping the team as much as I can and be ready when I’m called upon.”
The 23-year-old is fast and agile, an advantage for a centre-back. Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies were the chosen ones for Conte last season. Alongside Davinson Sanchez and new signing Clement Lenglet, Tanganga can be the other centre-back in the team if he stays.
Our backline had an injury-hit season last campaign. Romero, Sanchez and Tanganga were all out injured for certain periods of the 2021/22 season. This makes squad depth vital.
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Fans will hope the academy product stays at the club this season and helps the team to a possible silverware next year. His versatility is his biggest asset to the team. Going into a long season, we need as many players as possible.
