Speaking on a recent episode of the Last Word On Spurs podcast, Jamie Brown discussed Tanguy Ndombele’s improved performances for Tottenham Hotspur, and how he believes the midfielder has become a ‘crucial player’ for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Moving to Spurs from Olympique Lyon in what was a £54 million move last summer, Ndombele somewhat struggled for game time following the appointment of Mourinho as Tottenham’s new manager last November, making just five Premier League starts under the 57-year-old last season.
However, it has been a rather different story for the £36 million-rated 23-year-old this term, with the midfielder featuring in all six of Tottenham’s league fixtures thus far, four of which he has started.
The France international’s apparent progression under Mourinho was one topic of conversation on a recent episode of the Last Word On Spurs podcast, in which Brown raved about Ndombele’s performances for the club this season.
He said: “I think [Ndombele’s work rate is] something that’s he’s definitely added to his game. Last year, it was something that was really lacking, but this year, he’s closing down, he’s always running with the ball and he’s a real creative spark in the midfield. You see that when he goes off, he does seem to be quite a big miss.
“He’s fantastic, he’s really transformed his game now. He is a really crucial player in that midfield and he’s a very talented player, as we know. His creativity is so important to Spurs at the moment, so [I’m] really, really pleased that he’s finally come good at Spurs.”
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TIF Thoughts on Jamie Brown’s comments regarding Tanguy Ndombele…
From Brown’s comments, it is clear that the podcaster has been highly impressed with Ndombele so far this season, so much so that he even feels that the 23-year-old should now be considered a ‘crucial player’ in Mourinho’s midfield.
And, we have to say, with Ndombele earning an average WhoScored match rating of 7.13/10 over his four Premier League starts so far this season, in comparison to his average WhoScored match rating of 6.71 over his 21 league appearances last season, it would certainly seem as if Brown’s suggestion that the 23-year-old has improved this season, as well as his praise for the midfielder in general, is well and truly justified.