Spurs fans are slightly worried about how little Tanguy Ndombele has featured after his impressive cameo performance in the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Ndombele came off the bench for Jose Mourinho’s side and according to LastWordonSpurs, he completed more take-ons than Spurs’ entire front four combined, despite playing just 24 minutes. The Frenchman had only just recovered from a minor groin injury to earn a place on the bench against Frank Lampard’s side but provided a lot of impetus from midfield in his short time on the pitch.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined Spurs from Lyon in the summer in a club-record deal (£53.8 million), but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League thus far; making just eight starts so far this season. The French international has impressed in his performances in the Champions League for Spurs; averaging a 7.46 rating, but is yet to really make an impression domestically, although Spurs fans will be hoping that his impressive cameo against Chelsea is enough to earn him a start on Boxing Day.
Should Ndombele start against Brighton?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to Ndombele’s performance can be seen in the tweets below.
Let’s just stick lo celso and ndombele in the middle and risk it cause right now we look so so lacklustre, no drive or desire in the middle of the park, on or off the ball
— SHLUG (@mrSEan1) December 22, 2019
Really needs to start
— incognito (@Jamilly121) December 22, 2019
Our best player, needs to be played all the time. Simple
— Ben Hamlett (@benhamlett9) December 22, 2019
For the brief moments he has played, he looks to be some player!
I assume that it is purely firness keeping him out because dier and sissoko in CM is not the way forward.
— lee christie (@leechristie4) December 22, 2019
This guy is great. His first match with Spurs showcased his potential. But the lineups need to gel together…no player plays in a vacuum. I think Lamela back soon will improve the squad, but I trust Jose (“probably” a better manager than me) but his Toby signing scares me.
— James Price Chuck (@jamespchuck) December 23, 2019
About time we started him isn’t it? He at least carries the fight forward.
— Me (@StuartFawcett1) December 22, 2019
This is concerning that Jose won’t start at least 2 of the 3
And having a front 3 and Alli just behind Kane if played in his best position means we get overrun in midfield against the better sides
— Jamie Richards (@Jamie50R) December 22, 2019
Jose needs to put some respect on his name fr fr
— Moeez Malik (@Moeez2k11) December 22, 2019
These Spurs fans are clearly desperate to see Ndombele start more often under Mourinho and will be hoping to see him feature a lot more now he has recovered from injury.
What do we think?
Ndombele is a ball-carrying midfielder and has a strong passing and dribbling ability, which is perhaps what Spurs are lacking at the moment. If Mourinho can get him fully fit then you would expect him to start more often and the Boxing Day fixture against Brighton looks like the ideal opportunity to change the side and introduce the £58.5 million man from the start.