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Player Watch - Japhet Tanganga

Spurslove

Well-Known Member
Jul 6, 2012
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I loved his PROactive approach rather than a REactive one. I think that kind of defensive aggression has been sadly missing.
 

IGSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 11, 2013
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What's really surprised me is that, after seeing him for the first time ever, he really has some pace/explosiveness about him. I may be wrong here, but I don't recall that ever being mentioned in the countless posts about him in the youth threads.

Probably not directly, but it's been mentioned plenty of times about his leap, as he is really dominant in the air. He is also quick but at CB it's not necessarily something that is clear to see. Speed is more easily seen on the wing, but tracking back and when he sometimes carries the ball he is quite nippy. As you say it was good that he showed that side of his game yesterday
 

IGSpur

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Jan 11, 2013
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One thing that will never change with Tanganga is aggression because it is very much part of his game, he will pick up bookings because of it but he will always attack and compete for balls in the air or on the deck.

He has definitely matured since his time as an u16 when he used to do his Dawson impression and get in trouble, something he doesn't really need to do because of his pace. Has he cut that out, I know you've seen him more recently in u23s
 

edson

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
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He has definitely matured since his time as an u16 when he used to do his Dawson impression and get in trouble, something he doesn't really need to do because of his pace. Has he cut that out, I know you've seen him more recently in u23s
As you know he does like to play on the edge sometimes and he has been sent off last year, he also likes to argue with referees a lot and he is a "who me ref" type of player.

I would agree with more game time he will improve and could be a real help to the first team if like any other youth player they get the game time they need to improve, I hope he stays in the line-up for a few games.
 
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D

Deleted member 27995

I know it's a long shot, but is his semi sudden inclusion on Saturday an attempt to get him to put pen to paper? (could be way off base here and if so I don't mind being corrected)
 

Japhet

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Aug 30, 2010
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I know it's a long shot, but is his semi sudden inclusion on Saturday an attempt to get him to put pen to paper? (could be way off base here and if so I don't mind being corrected)

I think it was probably more a case of Mourinho, having repeatedly seen just how slow Vertonghen in particular has become, was rightly terrified of the pace of Mane and Salah. IMO he put Tanganga and Sanchez in specifically because of that and got pleasantly surprised by the overall performance at the back.
 
D

Deleted member 27995

I think it was probably more a case of Mourinho, having repeatedly seen just how slow Vertonghen in particular has become, was rightly terrified of the pace of Mane and Salah. IMO he put Tanganga and Sanchez in specifically because of that and got pleasantly surprised by the overall performance at the back.
Fair enough. It was fine performance given the circumstances.
 

dagraham

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Sep 20, 2005
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As you know he does like to play on the edge sometimes and he has been sent off last year, he also likes to argue with referees a lot and he is a "who me ref" type of player.

I would agree with more game time he will improve and could be a real help to the first team if like any other youth player gets the game time they need to improve, I hope he stays in the line-up for a few games.

Sounds right up Mourinho’s street really.
 

Marty

Audere est farce
Mar 10, 2005
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I think it was probably more a case of Mourinho, having repeatedly seen just how slow Vertonghen in particular has become, was rightly terrified of the pace of Mane and Salah. IMO he put Tanganga and Sanchez in specifically because of that and got pleasantly surprised by the overall performance at the back.
That's what it reads like to me as well.

Sadly with Jan, I have the feeling he's done a Branislav Ivanovic, who went from one of the PL's best defenders to too slow and past it in the space of about six months. I wouldn't be disappointed if he doesn't sign a new deal, he's been a magnificent player but all things must end.

I hope the management might see Tanganga and Sanchez, with Toby's guidance for the next few years, as a potential long term future for us, especially after their performances on Saturday.
 

punkisback

Well-Known Member
Apr 10, 2004
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What's really surprised me is that, after seeing him for the first time ever, he really has some pace/explosiveness about him. I may be wrong here, but I don't recall that ever being mentioned in the countless posts about him in the youth threads.
I agree, i can't remember him being that quick in pre season.
 

-Afri-Coy-

Well-Known Member
Jun 26, 2012
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Sounds right up Mourinho’s street really.

Definitely something we need more of in our squad, tactical aggression. It has to be channeled in the right manner though as it's a fine line between smart aggression and a sending off. Jose is the perfect couch to teach Tanganga this methodology.
 

nailsy

SC Supporter
Jul 24, 2005
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I thought he was excellent. Possibly our man of the match. I hope he gets another chance in the replay tomorrow night.
 

edson

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
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Definitely something we need more of in our squad, tactical aggression. It has to be channeled in the right manner though as it's a fine line between smart aggression and a sending off. Jose is the perfect couch to teach Tanganga this methodology.
One thing I would add Tanganga can play football, he is good on the ball and as we have seen in his interview at the weekend he seems a smart Lad.
 

-Afri-Coy-

Well-Known Member
Jun 26, 2012
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One thing I would add Tanganga can play football, he is good on the ball and as we have seen in his interview at the weekend he seems a smart Lad.

Seemed so well grounded both in the match and during his interview, maturity beyond his age which is a rare trait for youngsters these days. I felt as if Sanchez and Tanganga were both the best players on the pitch against Pool. Excited to see this pairing again in the future, and hopefully this gives Jose more inclination to give more of our youth players a chance.

They could really build a solid partnership at the back in the next few years if they are given the chance and learn from TA. Let's see how things pan out over the next few weeks.
 

Trix

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2004
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I thought he was excellent. Possibly our man of the match. I hope he gets another chance in the replay tomorrow night.
I thought he was a big part at fault for the goal. Apart from that he had a very good game. At his age you expect mistakes, and the fact he managed to pick himself up and not affect the rest of his performance was a good sign of his mentality.
 

yankspurs

Enic Out
Aug 22, 2013
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Club’s announcement last summer was very clear that it expired this year. We forgot to announce he signed a new contract, didnt we?
 

Klinsmannesque

Well-Known Member
Jul 26, 2013
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I thought he was a big part at fault for the goal. Apart from that he had a very good game. At his age you expect mistakes, and the fact he managed to pick himself up and not affect the rest of his performance was a good sign of his mentality.
Yep, said at the time it was a case of him switching off for a second, reacting late, trying to get back into position, wrong footed and then done by a very good first touch and finish. Show's how important concentration is, switch off for a split second at this level and you get punished. Not to kick the kid though, his overall play was excellent and the mistake wasn't Foyth/Aurier levels of sillyness
 
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