Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld believes young teammate Japhet Tanganga has a big future ahead.

Tanganga was a surprise inclusion in Jose Mourinho's line-up, as Spurs fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Saturday.

He completed the full 90 minutes, and 30-year-old Alderweireld was impressed with his display.

"I think he had a wonderful game," said Alderweireld.

“It was good for him that we had a clear week to train with a good tactical view of how we wanted to play and how he needed to play.

“I think that helped him as well. Today he showed against a good opponent that he is a very talented boy.

"It's a great learning experience and he has nothing to lose. He can be very proud of his own performance today.

"He showed today with the high step up that he can cope. He's 20 years old. He's a guy who has a good head as well, he knows what he's doing, he's trying to improve and that's the most important thing.

“He has to go from here but he can be very happy with his performance."