Tottenham Hotspur’s top four Premier League hopes hang in the balance after recent poor form, with a must-win game against London rivals West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.
Spurs were thoroughly beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in their last domestic outing, with Jose Mourinho’s men second best against the current league leaders.
There weren’t many positives to take from the defeat for Tottenham, but one bright point was the performance of Japhet Tanganga.
The young Spurs defender forced his way into Mourinho’s side last season but has been starved of action this term as Matt Doherty’s summer arrival has added competition for places.
However, with neither the Irishman or the erratic Serge Aurier showing the required consistency in recent months, Tottenham should persist with Tanganga in the clash against West Ham.
The 21-year-old youth academy product has all the physical attributes to make him an asset for Spurs both defensively and on the front foot, while his reading of the game and one-on-one defence is just as good as the other two options at right-back.
Tottenham need a solid defence to get back to winning ways and having Tanganga in the side ahead of Doherty or Aurier will provide this.
It will be interesting to see Mourinho’s team selection for the game against West Ham, but here’s hoping the Spurs homegrown starlet gets the nod to start at right-back.