Kane was missing, and Son was the hero. The forwards got all the headlines, albeit for different reasons, as Tottenham kicked off their campaign with a terrific win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. But victories against such quality teams don’t come just because you’ve had a sharp forward in your line-up but because you were solid at the back. One player who drew the most plaudits is the 22-year-old right-sided defender Japhet Tanganga.No Kane? No problem – Son is there! Tottenham upset Premier League champions after a fierce battleThe London-born son of Congolese parents has been a part of Tottenham’s youth academy since the age of 10, and it’s safe to say that he’s a shining example of a talented boy whose career, although only at its beginnings, has been 100 per cent on the right track. And make no mistake about it – it’s not a result of luck nor strange circumstances: Japhet’s upbringing and strong character saw him make the transition to senior football almost seamlessly.Tanganga was beaming after the final whistle oh his team’s 1-0 success over the champions, not only because of the result. After keeping a clean sheet and making several noteworthy clearances, he was given the Sky Sports Man of the Match award. He helped his manager Nuno Espirito Santo win in his first match in charge of the club.”I think Japhet did well. He was in the process of recovering from injury at the start of pre-season, but he’s been able to keep growing. Japhet was huge today. He faced many one-on-ones today against fantastic players, and he dealt extremely well with the situation.”Sunday, 16.00: (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.10) Tottenham (2.25)The turning point in Tanganga’s football maturation process was made possible by late Ugo Ehiogu, former Premier League player and later coach Spurs U23s coach before his untimely death. Nigerian-born Ehiogu tragically passed away in April 2017 after a cardiac arrest at the Tottenham Hotspur training ground. Before he left, Ugo passed all his knowledge and experience onto the youngsters in the Spurs development team. The late Spurs coach was instrumental in helping Tanganga in his journey to a senior career callup. In 2018 after Ugo’s death, Tanganga was already being labelled as a powerful defender known for his trademark powerful headers, pace, and technique.Today marks the four-year anniversary of the tragic passing of our former Under-23s Coach Ugo Ehiogu. 🤍 Always in our hearts. His memory fondly lives on. pic.twitter.com/U1SOQ73zg6— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 21, 2021 But there was also a significant event that shaped Japhet. By his admission, he wasn’t always the most mature lad during his teenage years and at one stage in the Under-18s, he, along with Spurs coaches and his father, decided to arrange a spell of work experience with the club’s ground staff. Its purpose was clear – it was to help him understand the “real world” challenges people face while working jobs that aren’t quite as glamourous as playing top-tier football. It was the making of the man Japhet has become. He spoke to the club’s website about it after making his Premier League debut in January 2020.”You’re coming in early, it’s cold, you’re working outside, but the passion that they have for maintaining the pitches, how precise they are – it’s amazing. It made me realise that I do love football and whether things are or aren’t going my way, this is my passion, and I’ve just got to take it seriously. I’ve been given a gift to be able to play football, so I shouldn’t misuse it.”When I say that Tanganga was bullying £100m Jack Grealish all game, this is what I mean… 😭 pic.twitter.com/9ggHbqfyky— Hotspur Edition (@HotspurEdition) August 16, 2021 It’s safe to say Japhet hasn’t misused his talent. After being praised for his work rate and maturity by the now-departed boss Jose Mourinho, the youngster didn’t stop there. He understood from the start that there is no time to dwell on the matches that happened but rather to use every hour and energy to improve yourself and be even better when called upon the next time.”I’ve had so many experiences where God has shown that he was there for me, and my faith in him has helped to get me where I am today. I’m so grateful for everything that’s been happening. The fans as well – how they’ve been supporting me, how they’ve been cheering me on, it’s just so encouraging, and I just want to give them more and try to give back to them what they’ve been giving me. I’m so happy, but the hard work is only just beginning.”Tuesday, 21.45: (3.30) Millwall (3.15) Fulham (2.30)He’s got the ability, the mindset and the right attitude. After playing for all England youth sides, it’s only a matter of time before he gets the call to represent The Three Lions. But for the time being, Tanganga will push himself in training to earn a place on the team in Spurs’ next fixture.
