Italian news outlet TuttoNapoli have praised on-loan Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele for his Champions League performance on Wednesday night – coming off the bench for Napoli in a 4-2 win over Dutch side Ajax.
The 25-year-old Spurs midfielder picked up his third start on Sunday in a 4-1 win over Serie A side Cremonese. He was on the bench against Ajax but entered the fray in the 49th minute – saving the majority of the 45 seconds.
With Napoli who have just conceded to Davy Klaassen, bringing the score to 2-1 for Napoli. Eventually the Italian side won 4-2 with Luciano Spalletti excelling in his managerial position. Ndombele was effective in the middle of the park.
TuttoNapoli wrote an article about player ratings after the game ended. They praise Ndombele, awarding the former Lyon midfielder a 6.5/10 – decent, considering he was a substitute. They saw that he was “dangerous” as soon as he arrived.
“He entered the game very well, in a not easy phase where Ajax found good positions in the last third, but he was immediately dangerous. On another attempt, he also obtained a penalty for Napoli to lead 3-1.
It was a decent performance from Ndombele and further proof that under Spalletti’s guidance he is improving. But one thing remains consistent since his time at Tottenham. His inability to complete a full 90 minutes.
But in the game time he grants Napoli, he shows at least good form. If he has any hope of reviving his career at Spurs, he must be able to start playing 90 minutes on a regular basis again. It could take a few months.
At least, unlike other players, he is likely to be overlooked by France and will have the World Cup to rest before the season restarts after December 18. Certainly, if he returns to Spurs, there are others ahead in the standings.
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