Mauricio Pochettino has heaped praise on Juan Foyth after the young defender’s impressive performance for Tottenham against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Foyth made his first Champions League appearance of the season after finally being registered for the knockout stages, lining up in a back three with Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld.
Had Danny Rose been fit, Foyth probably wouldn’t have started; Jan Vertonghen, who was excellent at left wing-back, would have reverted to his familiar position in the middle.
But Foyth made the most of his opportunity with a composed performance, increasing his reputation among the Spurs fans and his manager.
“I’m so happy for him, he was fantastic today,” Pochettino said of Foyth after the game (via Football London).
“Of course he still needs to improve and learn. He’s so brave, braver than you expect, braver than the people expect. The first action was unbelievable, the people were pushing him and then he made a few mistakes because he wanted to play.
“But I prefer that players who make mistakes trying to play. I was a completely different type of centre back, not with his quality. I love the players taking risks and are brave like he is.”
Since making his Premier League debut earlier this season, Foyth has become a crucial member of the squad.
The 21-year-old appears to be unfazed regardless of the level of competition he is facing, although he did have a shaky moment against Dortmund, giving the ball away in a dangerous area in the first half.
Hopefully, the Argentinian will continue to develop into a centre-back on the level of Alderweireld and Vertonghen.
