Tanganga returns as Spurs enjoy comfortable Europa League victory

Ahead of the match against Ludogorets on Thursday night, Jose Mourinho made a claim that may have surprised Spurs fans.

“For me he’s a full-back”, exclaimed Mourinho about academy graduate Japhet Tanganga when questioned on the young defender’s best position.

Having always marshalled the centre of defence during his time in the youth teams in North London, his coach clearly feels his talents are best served predominantly on the right side of a backline.

“Can he play centre-back? Yes he can, of course he can, and he will if we need and we will need [him to]. He can play centre-back, but for me in the context of what high level football is and especially Premier League is, I see him more as a multi-functional defensive player but I see him more as a full-back.” – Mourinho on where Japhet Tanganga fits into his Spurs side

Ahead of kick-off in Tottenham’s Group J fixture, the 21-year-old was being drilled by former Spurs captain Ledley King, a part of Mourinho’s backroom staff.

As a young defender from the Tottenham area, there can be no better mentor for Tanganga.

In true Mourinho fashion, Tanganga started at centre-back. Two months after his last game in a Tottenham shirt due to injury, he was being settled back in against the team bottom in Group J.

With Joe Hart giving Hugo Lloris a rest in goal for Tottneham, it was guaranteed that Tanganga and the rest of the Spurs defence were to be subjected to plenty of feedback. The former Manchester City ‘keeper is a contender for loudest player in behind closed doors stadium, rivalled only by Wolves’ Conor Coady by my reckoning.

The first corner of the game perhaps explained Mourinho’s pre-game quotes as Tanganga stayed as the last man back rather than making the box, his Portuguese coach potentially believing his size is best suited to the full-back role.

Gareth Bale’s succession of free-kicks went off-target as Spurs controlled the earlier period of the game, the Welshman’s previous spell at the club making everyone believe he should of had a hat-trick by now.

The opener arrived on 16 minutes for Carlos Vinicius. A through ball broke kindly for the Brazilian, who faced one on one with Plamen Iliev, slotted the ball home confidently.

His typical folded arms celebration followed, coupled with a large scream of relief from the summer signing.

Whilst Ludogorets struggled to breach the Tottenham half, Tanganga was going about his business effectively. A strong header earned praise from Mourinho on the sidelines as he continued his tussle against centre forward and scorer in the reverse fixture, Claudiu Keșerü.

With 33 minutes played, Vinicius secured his second. A strong run and shot from Tanguy Ndombele, the ball fell for Dele Alli to square to the Brazilian, who smashed the ball into an empty net.

Tottenham’s dominance meant the centre-back’s job was just to recycle possession, win duels and ensure momentum continued. The pairing of Davinson Sanchez and Tanganga did that without fault as the Bulgarian visitors failed to register an attack of note in the first period.

As the second half continued, Tanganga continued to impress on his return. It’s easy to forget how exciting the young defender is.

The England youth international possesses composure beyond his years and was dominant in his aerial duels. There is room to grow, of course there is, but his re-emergence can provide Mourinho with greater depth in his defensive line.

With Joe Rodon unregistered in the Europa League until at least the knockout stages, the competition should provide valuable minutes to Tanganga. Experience is vital for the defender, who has impressed in every one of his six Premier League outings for Tottenham.

Whilst the clean sheet looked to be preserved, Tottenham added to their lead in bizarre fashion. Receiving the ball from a throw-in, Harry Winks spotted the run of Bale. Overhitting his pass, the ball looped over Iliev, off the underside of the crossbar and in, much to the amazement of everyone including the England international.

Another followed as compatriots Vinicius and Lucas Moura combined, the latter finishing to take it 4-0.

Jose Mourinho will undoubtedly be pleased with the performance and result.

There was no box unchecked. Alli delivered his finest outing of the season, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son watched on from the sidelines whilst Carlos Vinicius was able to open his account for the club.

Elsewhere, young striker Dane Scarlett, aged just 16 years and 248 days, became Tottenham’s youngest ever player in a competitive game, surpassing John Bostock’s record (16 years and 295 days in Nov 2008).

A good night all round in North London. Jose Mourinho’s men visit Chelsea on Sunday in an exciting clash at Stamford Bridge.

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