Juan Foyth has revealed Mauricio Pochettino’s presence at Tottenham was the main reason he chose to join Spurs over Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham spent a reported £8 million to sign Foyth from Argentine club Estudiantes in the summer of 2017, but the 21-year-old didn’t make his Premier League debut until this season.
Foyth gave away two penalties on his league debut in a 3-2 win at Wolves, but since then he has impressed every time he has been called upon in the heart of defence.
It is believed Foyth had the choice between joining Spurs and PSG in the summer of 2017, and it was something of a surprise he chose the Londoners given PSG’s rise in stature over recent years.
But the centre-back has said the chance to learn from his countryman Pochettino made his decision a simpler one than it might have seemed.
“More than anything I decided on Tottenham because there was an Argentinian manager and support team – or they can speak Spanish – and because it was a club that supported young players a lot,” Foyth told ESPN.
“Also, I had the chance to talk to Mauricio and he told me I had very good features but that he was going to improve that.
“He was a defender as well so I thought he might have very good recommendations and advice to give me.
On Pochettino, Foyth added: “He always supports us and this gives you confidence to go forward and keep working. It’s really, really nice. I think I’ve improved in my skills as a defender every day, because I haven’t been playing as a defender very long.”
Foyth’s development is hugely important to Tottenham given the fact Toby Alderweireld is expected to leave at the end of the season after activating a £25 million release clause.
Spurs fans will be hoping Foyth can one day reach the same level as Alderweireld.
