The Spurs midfielder also says lists his ability to read the game as one of his strengths.
Manchester City’s Fernando in action with Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama says hard work and his ability to read the game have been central to his success in North London.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Kenyan central midfielder spoke of his role in The Lilywhites’ newly heralded 4-1-4-1 system and says he is always wanting to improve.
The 25 year-old was involved in Tottenham’s UEFA Champions League Group E clash with Bayer Leverkusen, as Mauricio Pochettino’s men came away from Germany with a fortunate point on Tuesday evening.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Stefan Kiessling in action with Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama and Jan Vertonghen
Wanyama told the Spurs website after the game: “You have to be fit and you have to read the game as well. I think that helps – by reading the game you are always in the right place at the right time.”
“I always try to work hard, in every game I always want to do something and always want to improve”, he added.
Since arriving from Southampton in the summer, the former Celtic man has firmly established himself in the North Londoners’ starting XI.
As the guardian in front of Spurs’ defence, Wanyama has played a key role in snuffing out offensive attacks in the same bullish manner he did on the South coast.
He has also continued to provide the occasional offensive threat, including scoring his first goal for the Lilywhites during their home win versus Crystal Palace in August.
Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama celebrates with manager Mauricio Pochettino after scoring their first goal
As Pochettino juggled injury and squad rotation, the Argentine employed a change of tactics, switching from last term’s customary 4-2-3-1 system.
The midfielder was instrumental in his side’s dominant display against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, as Spurs ran out 2-0 winners at White Hart Lane before the international break.
Speaking in regard to his side’s performance in Leverkusen, Wanyama remained confident of Tottenham’s chances in the competition.
“We had a lot of chances in the first half, we could have scored from one on a good day but we didn’t and we have to learn from it and move on.”
The Kenyan finishes, “I think we’re in a good position and now hopefully we can win our home games and get through to the knockout stages.”
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