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Wednesday 8 April 2020

Tanguy Ndombele given ‘second chance’ at Tottenham Hotspur


When Tanguy Ndombele signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2019, it was seen as a major coup. However, having played over 20 games for the club in the last season before the COVID-19 outbreak brought it to an end, it was clear that he and new manager Jose Mourinho were not going to see eye-to-eye.

However, it appears that with plenty of time to think that Mourinho has given the Frenchman another chance. At only 23 and as the club records signing, that would make sense. Injury issues and a constant in/out nature meant that for a long time Ndomebele was simply out of the team and unable to play with any flow or consistency. It appears that Mourinho recognised that, and will be likely to give him more chances once he has enjoyed a full pre-season.

Still, injury problems have become commonplace with the midfielder and that is likely to cause many issues. Fitness issues are likely to continue with the long layoff all players have endured, making it hard for the £65m man to make good on his potential at the club.

With a below-part first season now out of the way, it looks like Ndombele won’t make a quick exit from the North London giants. Instead, a second season for both player and club appears to be the most likely option. It’s interesting to see what comes next, and it will be very intriguing to see how the club and player handle a second season.

Given the number of top players who have struggled in their first year in England, though, there is nothing to say that Ndombele cannot re-find the levels he was showing with such consistency when he played with Lyon in France. Spurs fans will be hoping this gives him the opportunity to rediscover his verve and his desire.