“We’re friends as well”-Tottenham star Japhet Tanganga happy to come face-to-face against this Sporting CP player

Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga is happy to play against Marcus Edwards

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Japhet Tanganga is happy to come face-to-face against former Spurs and current Sporting CP player Marcus Edwards.

Both the defender and winger were together in the Spurs academy but took different paths in their career. Tanganga has worked his way up and broken into the senior team, while Edwards initially joined Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2019 before joining Sporting in January earlier this year.

Now speaking on the official matchday programme, before both these sides met later tonight, the defender had nothing but praise for his former team-mate.

“I’ve played football with Marcus since I was 10 and I always knew that talent-wise, he’s one of the most gifted players I’ve ever played with. We’re friends as well, so I’m happy to see him doing well at Sporting, playing in the Champions League and progressing with his career. It’s great to see him now as a Champions League footballer.”

⭐️ #UCL MATCHDAY! ⭐️

🆚 Sporting Clube de Portugal
🏟 @SpursStadium
🏆 UEFA Champions League
⏱ 8.00pm
#️⃣ #TOTSPO pic.twitter.com/JDqxeF2U9p

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 26, 2022

Edwards was one of the best players last time the two sides met. The Portuguese club won 2-0 and the former Spurs academy product made some headlines.

He almost scored against us after he embarked on a solo run cutting through the Tottenham defence, only to be denied by Hugo Lloris in goal at the end. The 23-year-old has been a regular for his side and has featured in all their Champions League games so far.

As for Tanganga, the defender has had his fair share of injuries this year. The 23-year-old centre-back has featured only once this season, during our 2-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League.

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It remains to be seen if Tanganga starts against the Portuguese side later today. The threat of Edwards is known and whoever plays in defence will know they could have a tough time. Spurs need a win to secure their place in the last 16 and fans will hope for that.