‘Ndomballer’ or ‘Ndombelly’ - A Look into Spurs' Record Signing
After his man-of-the-match worthy display in front of 50,000 belting Geordies, the occasional moment has once again arrived where Tanguy Ndombele has produced a performance of the highest calibre. Was this display finally the one that can fully ignite his Tottenham Hotspur career?
The Frenchman arrived at White Hart Lane after the North London club warded off interest from European giants like Bayern Munich and Barcelona and even domestic rivals, Liverpool and Manchester United. Following a magical run to the Champions League final, you could see the attraction of Tottenham Hotspur to the former-Lyon man. Their club record signing gave Mauricio Pochettino the blueprint to take his club to the top, not winning a measly Carabao Cup but going one step further in the Premier League and Champions League. To dare was to do.
The acquisition of Ndombele was frightening for clubs around Europe. His pachydermatous build coupled with a degree of elegance when on the ball posed similarities between himself and fan-favourite Mousa Dembele, whilst also showing a creative resemblance to Spurs' most gifted midfielder of their modern era - Luka Modric.
'He would have become one of the best players in the world if I had been his manager as a teenager', Pochettino asserted after Dembele moved to China. Perhaps the Argentine had been given a second bite at the cherry with Ndombele, then 22.
His CV wasn't too bad either. The £65million man was named in the UEFA Champions League Team of Year for the 2018-19 campaign, despite Lyon only reaching the first knockout round and featuring in the French league's equivalent. This was not a signing which relied on potential. Spurs believed they were signing the full package under the reins of a tactical mastermind renowned for unleashing his youth players' very best version. Dele Alli and Harry Kane reaped what Pochettino sowed, so what could possibly go wrong for the French international?
Just 2 months into his spell at Tottenham, Pochettino questioned Ndombele's work rate after he featured on the bench in the Lilywhites' defeat to Liverpool. 'Big difference? Doing what?' he responded to a reporter's question and insisted it could take up to two years before we see what the Frenchman is truly capable of.
But Poch was never given the opportunity to nurture Ndombele, handing over the reins to Europe's most prestigious manager, Jose Mourinho.
His faddish and retrograde tactics brought Ndombele into even more disrepute. The supporters who once dubbed him 'Ndomballer' for his immense talent and ability on the ball began to scold him for his languid and leaden play style. His insouciance and aloofness infuriated the fans, who later questioned his physical condition with the notorious nickname 'Ndombelly'.
The critics came in thick and fast. Jamie Carragher gave an ignominious analysis of Ndombele following his 'shocking' performance against Burnley, which was 'nothing short of a disgrace'. 'He either can't run, or he doesn't want to run,' he berated after Ndombele recorded the worst running stats out of any outfield player. This was undoubtedly the nadir of his time in North London, even prompting him to request a transfer the following summer.
There have certainly been some issues regarding attitude too. Two of Europe's most noteworthy managers failed to reap the benefits of a player who, on merit, has the potential to be genuinely world class. His reluctance to learn English (seen on the All or Nothing Amazon Prime documentary) was frowned upon. The documentary also uncovered a cantankerous and socially peripheral figure. The summer exits of Serge Aurier and compatriot Moussa Sissoko elicited Ndombele to formally submit a second transfer request in the summer of 2021. Perhaps Daniel Levy cajoled Ndombele to stay in much the same way as Harry Kane remained at Hotspur Way, as the Frenchman similarly acquiesced with the England captain.
Arguably the most frustrating aspect of his time in North London is acknowledging his potential, which has been harnessed by his attitude. We have seen his outrageous ability to free his team from a tight situation in moments against Chelsea and Rennes, and even the audacious technically finished lob against Sheffield United last season. I should not have to name these performances. These should be the benchmark for 24-year-old.
A committed and consistent Tanguy Ndombele is tantamount to Tottenham's success in the Premier League and the bid to secure their first trophy in almost 14 years. Typically used as an enganche in Nuno's midfield, his role is to act as a pivot between the holding midfield two of Skipp and Hojbjerg and the attacking outlet of Son, Kane and another pacy winger; his performance last night at St James' Park was exceptional. An excellently dispatched goal alongside the typical showboating nutmegs and flicks gives Spurs fans a reason to be excited for his prospects this season. A Ndombele who exudes confidence on the field with aplomb is a Ndombele who will spearhead Tottenham's success this season. The Frenchman, who has been capped 7 times, must find consistency in his game if he is to be considered one of the league's best midfielders. Perhaps the summer exits of his French-speaking friends will force him to integrate with more of the English players and spur him on to become the best version of himself, which will indisputably result in a very enjoyable campaign for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
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Written by Olly Howard
I am currently studying English Language and English Literature as an undergraduate and am planning to study Sports Journalism at university. I am an avid watcher of all sports and a big Tottenham Hotspur fan
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