Pundit suggest Spurs keep faith with academy graduate over Barcelona player

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has urged Tottenham to keep faith in Japhet Tanganga amidst reports of the club’s interest in Nelson Semedo.

Tanganga burst on to the season this season and proved his versatility with competent displays at centre-back, left-back, and right-back.

The 21-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years in his short stint with the senior side.

However, Spurs have been linked with defensive additions this summer, with Semedo being suggested as one of the options the Lilywhites are considering as they look to upgrade at right-back (Don Balon).

Spanish journalist, Guillem Balague revealed late last month on his YouTube channel that Spurs have enquired about the Portuguese international’s availability at Barcelona.

However, Phillips believes it would benefit Tottenham much more in the long run if Jose Mourinho puts faith in Tanganga rather than signing the Barcelona player.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former England international said said: “Semedo has got more experience but Tanganga is a young kid and he deserves his opportunity.

“When he has come in he has shown good quality. He is still developing and is going to make mistakes but so do experienced players.

“It depends if Spurs want instant success. Tanganga is a young player and would be a better option financially.

“I am all for giving youth a chance. Moving forward I think he would be the better option over the next three, four, five years.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Tanganga has played at centre-back throughout his youth career and hardly ever featured at either right-back or left-back. I suspect the only reason Jose played him as a full-back was to help him better understand the requirements of various roles. I expect the youngster to be mainly used as a central defender next season. So signing a right-back this summer shouldn’t really limit his opportunities for the first-team.

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