Japhet Tanganga is fully deserving of a new contract and pay rise at Tottenham Hotspur, according to former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan.
The Spurs academy product caught the eye when he was included in Tottenham’s pre-season tour of the Far East when he produced a steady performance when asked to mark Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo.
He was handed his first senior start in the humiliating Carabao Cup defeat at Colchester United in October and did not feature again under Mauricio Pochettino.
Jose Mourinho was quick to make his backroom staff aware of Tanganga during his first training session after taking over from Pochettino (Football.London).
The Portuguese rewarded the defender with his first Premier League appearance in the defeat to Liverpool in North London last month and has featured on a regular basis since after showing that he is more than capable of playing in the top flight.
The Evening Standard claimed last week that the 20-year-old is currently in talks with Spurs over a new contract which would see his wage rise from £1,500 to £15,000.
Whelan believes that Tottenham’s decision is a shrewd move to reward the youngster for his efforts.
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“If the club are looking to give you that, you’re getting your reward from the club for performances,” he told Football Insider.
“If the club didn’t think he was worth that a week then they wouldn’t even be thinking about offering that huge pay rise he’ll be getting.
“For players as well, you’ve got to cover your back. That’s probably about average these days, quite honestly, even if it is ridiculous money.
“But it’s something that he deserves and the club wouldn’t reward the player if they didn’t think that he was worth it.
“They’re looking after their asset.”
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