'He taught me a lot' - Tanganga on how Mourinho helps him improve defensively

Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga has praised Jose Mourinho for helping him improve defensively and admits he did not expect to break into the team.

"He has taught me a lot," Tanganga said. "In training he's given me a lot of information, a lot of details, a lot of ways to improve.

"How to defend one-vs-one, how to defend set-pieces or work in wide areas and at corners. He's given me a lot of information, and I feel playing right-back and left-back has added to my game and allowed me to be adaptable and defend in all areas of the pitch, not just at centre-half."

Tanganga enjoyed a solid outing on his first appearance for the north London side but could not prevent the runaway Premier League leaders from marching towards a 1-0 victory.

With football suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Tanganga has used the time to reflect on the "crazy" events that led to his debut.

"This time last year could I see myself in this position? I don't think so. It just goes to show how quickly things can change in football," he added.

"There have been moments where I wake up in the morning and remember the morning of the Liverpool game - it was disappointing to lose - but that feeling of making my debut.

"And remembering the congratulations messages from everyone. So this time has allowed me to sit back and reminisce on that breakthrough season. I just want to continue it."