Tanguy Ndombele: What He’s Bringing to Spurs in 2020-21

When Tottenham Hotspur signed Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for a potential £62.8 million in July 2019, Spurs fans rightfully couldn’t hide their excitement at buying one of the world’s most-coveted midfielders. Despite the expectation, the Frenchman enjoyed a fairly torrid opening campaign in England. For a player of his talent, however, it always appeared unwise to write him off so early into his Premier League career. Now, he’s fighting back and proving the doubters wrong. So, let’s look at what he’s bringing to Tottenham in 2020-21.

Hojbjerg Has Freed Him Up to Attack

This season, Ndombele’s new-found application has seen Mourinho reward him with increased playing opportunities, and he’s used those opportunities to great effect thus far. Although his on-field return has remained much the same across both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns, there’s now a notable improvement regarding his minutes per goal. Currently, he’s scoring every 327 minutes, compared to 504 in 2019-20.  

Tottenham’s recruitment team deserve credit for buying Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton, as he has given Ndombele more license to roam. As per Total Football Analysis, the Danish midfielder now drops deep to form a back three when Spurs are in possession. In turn, this allows the 24-year-old to occupy the space between the opposition’s offensive and midfield lines, thus giving time to create and drive forward.   

The subtle tactical alteration hasn’t only got the best out of the 24-year-old by providing greater balance in midfield, but it’s also thrust Tottenham into a somewhat unexpected title race. As of January 20th, Spurs are 25/1 in the Premier League betting to be crowned champions in 2020-21. 

Ridding the Frenchman of Too Much Defensive Responsibility

After bursting onto the scene in Ligue 1, there was a growing perception that Ndombele would follow in the footsteps of N’Golo Kante. However, although he’s competent in deeper areas of the field, Mourinho is now reaping the rewards of being brave with the 24-year-old. His physical prowess, combined with his quick feet, means that he’s capable of driving his team up the field. Following Christian Eriksen’s move to Inter Milan in January 2020, Spurs lacked creativity in midfield. Although the Frenchman isn’t as graceful as the Danish playmaker in tight spaces, his athleticism ensures that he has the strength and close-control to open up opposition defences.   

Importantly to Spurs’ chances of future success, Ndombele is now combining his skill set with on-field application. Fascinatingly, in Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Sheffield United, in which the 24-year-old scored a spectacular goal, he completed his first full Premier League match since December 2019. Not only that, but, in doing so, he covered more ground than any of his teammates, running 10.94km in the fixture.   

Becoming the Player Many Expected 

This season, Spurs’ manager has unlocked the midfielder that previously dominated top-level sides in the Champions League for Lyon. Perhaps Ndombele was labelled as a flop far too early, as injuries undoubtedly hindered his ability to adapt. Now, however, he’s showing his world-class level. With Moussa Sissoko and Hojbjerg alongside him, Tottenham may now have a league-winning midfield in their ranks.