JAPHET'S JOURNEY

BARNABY ROSTANT TAKES A LOOK AT DEFENDER JAPHET TANGANGA'S HIGHS AND LOWS...

WHEN Japhet Tanganga made his Premier League debut for Tottenham against Liverpool in January 2020, it was fair to say he 'burst onto the scene'.

The 20-year-old defender kept Sadio Mane, who was at the peak of his powers, quiet all game as Spurs fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against the runaway leaders.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho rewarded Tanganga's fine display by starting him once more against Watford.

The 'Special One' had recognised he had a special talent amongst his squad's defensive ranks.

They say there are no easy games in England's top-flight and the opposition did not get any easier for Tanganga.

Reigning champions Manchester City came to the capital and he had the difficult task of nullifying Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. However, the academy graduate once again excelled as Tottenham ran out 2-0 winners against Pep Guardiola's side.

Tottenham legend Ledley King was a part of Mourinho's backroom staff and it seemed a King reincarnate was born once more in north London.

Tanganga looked irreplaceable after his faultless start to life as a Premier League defender but the youngster only featured a few more times that season.

The following season culminated in the same amount of league appearances (6) that he had made in his maiden campaign. There was also the departure of Mourinho to contend with, with the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss exiting the club just days before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.