---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Japhet Tanganga set to be called upon by Jose Mourinho after ‘huge blow’"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-japhet-tanganga-set-to-be-called-upon-by-jose-mourinho-after-huge-blow/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2020-11-27T12:40:43Z"
modified: "2020-11-27T12:40:43Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Japhet Tanganga set to be called upon by Jose Mourinho after ‘huge blow’

**Speaking in a [pre-match press conference](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/kane-sissoko-moment-terrify-mourinho-19345777.amp?__twitter_impression=true) before Tottenham’s match against Europa League minnows Ludogorets, manager Jose Mourinho sent a subtle message to unseen Spurs ace Japhet Tanganga – who is [yet to make a Premier League appearance this season.](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/384063/Show/Japhet-Tanganga)**

Mourinho, before the encounter with Ludogorets, spoke of Toby Alderweireld’s injury and how it will impact Spurs going forward – with Tanganga being sent the message that he could feature more often in the Belgian’s absence.

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Spurs take on Chelsea at the weekend in what will be a crunch clash, with Mourinho looking to keep hold of his side’s place at the top of the Premier League.

### Tanganga set to be called upon

Tanganga, who recently returned from injury himself, has been sent a subtle message by the Tottenham boss in regards to his place in the squad – with the youngster’s versatility potentially proving crucial in the coming weeks.

“For me he’s a full-back,” explained Mourinho to the media.

“Can he play centre-back? Yes he can, of course he can, and he will if we need and we will need.”

### Transfer Tavern take

Indeed, as per this update, Spurs fans could be seeing far more of Tanganga with Alderweireld sidelined and Joe Rodon ineligible for the Europa League – with Mourinho now looking set to call upon the defensive ace after the ‘[huge blow](https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2020/11/24/eric-dier-admits-lengthy-toby-alderweireld-injury-huge-blow-to-tottenham-hotspur/)‘ of losing Alderweireld.

Tanganga has proved in the past he can cut it against the big boys, a prime example being his exceptional performance against Man City last season, where he drew [comparisons with Raphael Varane.](https://theboyhotspur.com/varane-2-0-these-spurs-fans-loved-defenders-display-vs-manchester-city/)

It will be interesting to see just how much he is played over the coming weeks, but Mourinho may need him as difficult fixtures loom.

***In other news: Jose Mourinho has also refused to rule out a Spurs return for this amazing ace, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/tottenham-hotspur-jose-mourinho-refuses-to-rule-out-early-erik-lamela-return/).***