Japhet Tanganga has played a crucial role in Millwall attaining Championship safety, having appeared regularly for Neil Harris’ club following his Tottenham loan exit in January.
Japhet Tanganga is doing well right now as he prepares for what promises to be a key summer in his football career. After a difficult stint at Augsburg in Germany, the defender returned to Tottenham in the January transfer window. He is now playing regularly for Millwall in the Championship.
It’s exactly what he’s needed after a couple of years of injuries at a critical point in his development. Tanganga, who is 25 years old, may be leaving Tottenham this summer.
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s versatile defender, is nearing the end of his contract and may be considering leaving the club.
However, following a successful loan spell at Millwall, the midfielder may now have a couple more clubs interested in his services.The former England Under-21s international is playing week in and week out at The Den, having not made a single appearance for Augsburg since sustaining a knee injury at the start of the season, and only making it into the matchday squad once after returning.
Tanganga has made 16 Millwall appearances, 15 of which he has played the full 90 minutes. Following a stop-start period in the Tottenham first team due to alternative defence choices and injury issues, his spell with The Lions is likely the first time in his professional career that he has played every minute.
Millwall have clearly profited from having Tanganga at the heart of their defence, as they have moved away from the drop zone and secured Championship safety. Prior to his move to London, the player had no senior goals to his name. However, he now has two after scoring in crucial victories over high-flying Southampton and relegation rivals Birmingham City.
Millwall manager Neil Harris stated last month that he had noticed a shift in the player’s demeanour after a few weeks of the loanee speaking in front of the players at halftime. His lending tenure appears to have benefited all parties involved.
According to Southwark News, Millwall’s manager stated, “Japh has grown in personality in just three weeks since I walked in the building.” “I’ve seen his character evolve, and I’ve seen his confidence grow. He talked at halftime the other day, which I was really pleased with, and the lads stated it was the first time they had heard him speak honestly and passionately in front of the group.
“I’m thrilled. If I can help him develop in both penalty areas and offer him experience over the next few months that will help him grow as a man and a player, I believe Japh will be pleased, as will Spurs.”
Tanganga and Millwall will look to build on their great record when they face Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City in their final two league games. The focus will then go to his future before he returns to Hotspur Way.
The Tottenham youth graduate has so far ignored any speculation about his future, focusing solely on his current role with Millwall. In an interview with the South London Press last month, he stated, “I haven’t played much football in a while, so that is my main focus.” I had the opportunity to come to Millwall and achieve that.
“Whatever happens in the summer or later on, I don’t really care because I’m focused on Millwall right now and earning the points we need to go well in the league. At first, it was difficult for me since I hadn’t played enough games; I was trying to get into the groove and find my feet.
“The main thing for me with this loan was to make sure I was available and playing football, because I missed a lot of it at the start of the season, and that is how things are now. You also want the outcomes. They weren’t going our way at first, but things have changed.
Tanganga’s time with Millwall couldn’t have gone any better, as he achieved his primary goal of making himself available and playing often. Hopefully, this is only the beginning for the Tottenham player as he prepares for a key few months in his career.
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Leave a Reply