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‘Didn’t know he was that quick’… Japhet Tanganga says Augsburg players were raving about one Tottenham star
Japhet Tanganga has shared what some in Germany were saying about Micky van de Ven while the Tottenham Hotspur defender was on loan in the Bundesliga in the first-half of the season.
Micky van de Ven has been one of the signings of the season for Spurs. The Dutchman was hardly a household name before Ange Postecoglou’s side secured his signature.
But he has been absolutely superb alongside Cristian Romero. There is an argument that van de Ven has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season. And there is one attribute in particular which makes the 22-year-old extremely unique.
Japhet Tanganga lauds Micky van de Ven
Van de Ven is the fastest player in the Premier League so far this term. And that is so important as it allows Spurs to deploy such a high line as they know that the youngster can catch virtually anyone in the division.
Speaking to , Japhet Tanganga was asked about how he would fancy his chances in a race with van de Ven. And the Spurs loanee – who spent the first-half of the campaign in the Bundesliga – suggested that he has been as surprised as everyone else.
“I didn’t know he was that quick,” he said.
“When I was there, I was going through my rehab so I didn’t see him train. Obviously, I spoke to some of the boys who I know and still speak to now, and I’ve seen the games and I’ve asked how quick is he? And they say he’s pretty quick. But I think everyone can see his quality and how good a centre-back he is as well. In Germany, they spoke about him, in Augsburg, saying how good he was.”
Spurs have stepped up several levels since the summer
It is a daunting prospect for the likes of Tanganga and the other players looking to impress while out on loan.
When Romero and van de Ven are playing well, there are not many better partnerships around right now. And Tottenham have since signed Radu Dragusin.
Tanganga can play across the back line. But he turns 25 next month. So it is hard to see him forcing his way into Postecoglou’s plans in the future.
Spurs have been transformed in the months since Tanganga was initially loaned out. And van de Ven has played a key role in that progress.