Nigel de Jong has claimed that Tanguy Ndombele needs to find a new club because ‘it wasn’t meant to be’ for him at Tottenham, as he told Deadline Day on Sky Sports (31/01/22 at 10:20 am).
This despite the former Holland international claiming that Ndombele, during his early days at Spurs, was showcasing ‘stings of Yaya Toure in his heyday’.
It has been three years since Spurs broke their club transfer record to lure Ndombele to north London from Lyon.
But, whether it’s under Mauricio Pochettino or Nuno Espirito Santo, it just hasn’t worked out for the ball-carrying midfielder.
De Jong sent a transfer message to the French midfielder and what problem he has in his game that has resulted in him being in his current situation.
“He’s a top player,” said de Jong. “The type of character and type of player he is. I have seen him play so many matches throughout his young career at Tottenham. He never really looked like he was up for the task.
“He has a lazy edge around him. He is a fantastic player. We can all see the quality.
“At the start of when he came, he had stings of Yaya Toure in his heydays when he had that stride going forward.
“But, the defensive side, he is lacking. And he’s not the type of player Conte is looking for – unfortunately for him, it wasn’t meant to be this relationship (with Spurs) and let’s hope he can find his potential somewhere else.”
In order for Ndombele to rediscover his form and get back to his best, he may just return to familiar grounds before Monday’s 11 pm transfer deadline.
Sky Sports have reported that Lyon are in advanced talks to re-sign Ndombele from Spurs.
Whether it’s heading back to France, or going somewhere else in Europe, staying at Spurs isn’t what Ndombele needs right now.
Too many managers have struggled to get the best out of him and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he never plays in the Premier League again.
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