Japhet Tanganga has impressed for Tottenham during pre-season and could find himself in the first-team for the 2019/20 campaign. The 20-year-old has been a regular in the International Champions Cup in Singapore this summer and has drawn rave reviews from supporters for his performances.
Tanganga played 45 minutes against Juventus on July 21 before being replaced by Jan Vertonghen. Tottenham won 3-2 at the Singapore National Stadium. The central defender then amassed 70 minutes against Manchester United on July 25 before being replaced by George Marsh. Spurs lost 2-1 at the Hongkou Stadium.
Against Juve, he made three interceptions, one clearance. Against United, he also made three interceptions, three clearances and two tackles. With Mauricio Pochettino short on centre-backs ahead of the new campaign, Tanganga is doing everything in his power to get the nod in the first-team.
Toby Alderweireld looks set to stay at Tottenham after his £25m release clause expired, so Spurs don’t need to worry about replacing him. Pochettino also has Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez at his disposal. Juan Foyth is another defensive option, but he might be required at right-back following Kieran Trippier’s departure which may open the door to Tanganga.
If the England u20 international features in Spurs’ upcoming friendlies in the Audi Cup on July 30 & July 31 and International Champions Cup on August 4, he could become a familiar face in 2019/20.