Tanganga set for extended run in Tottenham XI after ‘devastating’ Romero update – pundit
Noel Whelan has tipped Antonio Conte to hand Japhet Tanganga a “good string of games” at Tottenham with Cristian Romero out through injury.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 22-year-old has “massive potential” playing at centre-back.
As quoted by journalist Jonathan Veal (24th November), Antonio Conte confirmed Romero has been dealt a “serious” injury blow.
In his absence, Tanganga started both the win over Leeds and defeat to NS Mura.
With the blow of losing Romero, Whelan suggested Tanganga could be the silver lining for Conte and Spurs.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “A young player, he showed that recklessness against Crystal Palace.
“That was something he has hopefully learned from. You have got to learn from being over-enthusiastic. He needs discipline and to show a leader’s performance out there.
“I’m sure he has learned from that. He’s definitely a player with massive potential. I like his aggression. He seems to have everything that centre-half should have.
“Hopefully now, with the devastating blow to Romero, he’ll get a good string of games under his belt where he can prove to Conte that he is one of those players that deserves to be at Tottenham. A player they can build a team around.”
Romero picked up his injury while on international duty with Argentina.
Tanganga has played 10 times this season, primarily as a right-back.
However, Conte’s switch to playing three at the back means the academy product has moved to a central role.
Tanganga has played 34 times for Spurs since breaking through the youth ranks in north London.
In other news, one Tottenham star “killing the dressing room” as Conte plan revealed.