Napoli are looking like the real deal right now.
They dismantled Liverpool a few weeks ago in the Champions League and on Tuesday evening they embarrassed another one of Europe’s so-called biggest clubs. Hammering Ajax 6-1 in their own back yard.
The Naples outfit put on an absolute show. Every single player was on top of their game, and even the substitutes that came on were getting in on the act.
Interestingly, amongst the star substitutes for Napoli was a certain Tanguy Ndombele, and he made a real impact off the bench.
Indeed, Ndombele came on at half-time, and despite only playing for 45 minutes, he was a real thorn in Ajax’s side.
Ndombele made no fewer than three key passes during his time on the pitch, averaging one every 15 minutes, while his creative efforts were rewarded with an assist.
Ndombele was often critiqued during his time at Tottenham for not doing enough defensive work, but he did make two tackles in this game, and he was clearly brimming with confidence. Earning an 8.2 rating from WhoScored.
Of course, coming off the bench when the game is already won is the perfect scenario for a player like Ndombele who doesn’t really suit the rough and tumble of a cagey game, but this showing on Europe’s biggest stage just went to show how brilliant he can be in certain situations.
He is currently on loan at Napoli from Tottenham, with the Serie A club holding an option to purchase the Frenchman, and if he can keep up this level of form in the Champions League, it may be a no-brainer for Luciano Spalleti’s side to keep hold of Ndombele on a permanent basis.
This is a player with bags of ability that needs nurturing in the correct way, and it seems as though Napoli are slowly but surely figuring out how to use this mercurial talent to the best of his abilities.
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