Hugo Lloris has sparked some Tottenham Hotspur fans to react on social media after telling the Evening Standard that Tanguy Ndombele must feel responsible to fulfil his potential.
Spurs broke their transfer record spend to sign Ndombele from Lyon for £54m in 2019. The midfielder also penned a six-year contract with the north Londoners worth £200k-p/w.
But his time in the capital has proven troublesome, and could have ended this summer. The Athletic reported Tottenham were prepared to sell Ndombele after he handed in a transfer request. Marking the second year running he has asked for permission to leave the club.
Ndombele wanted to leave Spurs after his head dropped under Ryan Mason last season. The interim head coach hurt the Frenchman by leaving him out of the Carabao Cup final in April. And missing out on Didier Deschamps’s squad for Euro 2020 compounded his misery.
Lloris still backs Ndombele at Tottenham
Lloris still believes in Ndombele and feels the midfield maverick can have a bright future at Tottenham. But has called on the 24-year-old to show responsibility in the dressing room.
“Tanguy needs games, games, games, repetition of games,” said the Spurs captain. “[He must] try to feel this responsibility, because he’s not a young player any more. And a player with his talent and quality must feel responsibility inside the changing room and the team.
“Honestly, I think he’s ready [for more responsibility], his mind is ready. He’s here with a smile, he’s connected with the team and that’s the most important thing. Obviously, it’s the manager’s decision to play him or not play him. But I can feel his energy is back. And, for sure, he’s going to perform. I have no doubt about that.
“With Tanguy, the first season, because of the language, it was sometimes frustrating with him to not be able to talk with the others. Today, he’s totally open and he can talk and joke and share moments. That’s very important as a player, to feel connected to the team.”
Fans react to Lloris’ claim
But not all Tottenham supporters reacting on social media would agree with Lloris’ view of Ndombele. That’s because some have suggested Spurs are too far along for players to be sharing claims of Ndombele needing time two-years after becoming a club-record signing.
Others also questioned the midfielder’s work-rate and desire to cover the hard yards to make a difference on the pitch.
A few fans also praised Lloris for calling Ndombele out for not doing enough for Tottenham.
So, here are some of the messages shared…
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