Macdonald Mariga praises progression of Victor Wanyama from his Celtic days to current form at Tottenham.
Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama warms up before the match
The brother of Tottenham star Victor Wanyama has told ESPN that he is thrilled by his progression.
Macdonald Mariga, formerly of Inter Milan, says Wanyama has greatly improved since his spell at Celtic, and credits one man with his progression.
The Kenyan picked out Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino as integral to Wanyama’s development, with the midfielder thriving for the North London side.
Wanyama played under Pochettino at Southampton too, and Mariga claims the Argentine has been a teacher as well as a mentor to the player.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
He said: “I think he got stronger when he started to play at Celtic. He became more muscular — the football in Scotland, England is more physical.
“But he said Pochettino is the coach who has made him. He’s the one who, when Victor came to Southampton, he taught him what to do and how to play — all the things.
“He’s the one who taught him everything and made even more qualities for Victor. He gave him exposure and confidence. If you don’t have confidence from the coach, you cannot perform well. He’s helped him a lot.”
Wanyama was a bargain signing for Spurs last summer, and looking back, his addition made so much sense it is surprising it was not made sooner.
Mariga’s comments speak volumes about the way Pochettino has been able to improve players, a key attribute for a successful coach, and Wanyama could end the season with a Premier League medal.
He has helped Spurs to just four points behind Chelsea, and is in with a real chance of adding to the two title winners’ medals he clinched in Scotland.
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