Tanguy Ndombele had an uncertain future at Tottenham when Jose Mourinho was publicly criticising his performances.
Daniel Levy and Mourinho were reportedly at odds over what to do with the 23-year-old this summer. Levy allegedly wanted a return on his investment and was unwilling to sell so soon while Mourinho was keen to cash in early.
Ndombele has since turned things around, however, and is now being lavished in praise by his manager.
Lack of playing time in 2019/20
Ndombele joined on a six-year deal from Olympique Lyonnais in July 2019 and has gone on to make 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals with four assists.
In his debut season, the French international featured in 14 of 17 games (82.4%) under Mauricio Pochettino and amassed 883 minutes of football from a possible 1530 (57.7%). He played in just 15 of 35 games (42.8%) and amassed 563 minutes of football from a possible 3150 (17.9%) under Jose Mourinho, however.
Mourinho has made no secret over his previous feelings towards Ndombele. After substituting the 23-year-old midway through March’s 1-1 draw with Burnley, he said: “In the first half we didn’t have a midfield. “I’m not speaking of Skipp. I have to say (Ndombele) had enough time to come to a different level.
“A player with his potential has to give us more… I cannot keep giving him opportunities to play because the team is much more important.”
At the time, those were damning remarks that led to exit talk in the months that followed, but the pair are finally singing on the same hymnsheet.
How Ndombele and Mourinho buried the hatchet
It was unlikely Tottenham would make back the money spent on the Frenchman in the summer transfer window, but his upturn in form is the best-case scenario.
In September, Mourinho praised Ndombele for his attitude during his period out of the team and said he was delighted that the midfielder was fighting for his place. In October, Ndombele revealed that he’s put his differences with Mourinho to one side and things are working out well as a result.
Summary
Multiple reports would confirm that Tottenham had the midfielder on the transfer list months ago, but Ndombele is now a key component of the squad. Here’s hoping that continues for the remainder of his time here.