According to football.london’s Alasdair Gold, Spurs midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is impressing the club’s staff with his fitness in one of the more surprising developments to come out of Hotspur Way…
What’s been said?
In the past, the Frenchman’s fitness has certainly come into question as he has struggled to truly cement a regular spot in the starting XI under all four of his previous managers, permanent and temporary.
Jose Mourinho once launched a scathing attack on his commitment and physical health, whilst Arsenal and France legend Emmanuel Petit pondered to The Sun in March 2020: “Is he overweight? He looks a little bit. But his body language does not help him. He needs to improve physically.”
However, that looks to have changed substantially.
‘While there have been previous qualms about Ndombele’s fitness, football.london understands that this season Ndombele is considered by the sports science staff to be in the best physical condition of his time at the club,’ wrote Gold.
Massive boost
Ndombele could prove to be quite the key figure for Antonio Conte in the coming weeks and months as the Italian desperately needs a creative solution in the final third.
Spurs rank last for average number of shots per game (10.1) in the entire top-flight and their last shot on target came nearly four hours ago – a worrying trend heading into a big clash with Leeds United next weekend.
As per Gold in his report, no player covered more distance in the win over Newcastle United last month, not to mention his all-important equaliser at St James’ Park whilst playing in the hole.
The fact that the 24-year-old appears to be in the best physical condition since his arrival in N17 will come as a major boost as his new boss demands peak physique and commitment on the training pitch, having banned things like ketchup and butter in the canteen, and that’ll only bolster his claims to start in the no.10 role more often.
Elsewhere, only Lucas Moura (three) is averaging more dribbles per game than Ndombele (1.5), which suggests he’s a big influence in driving the ball forward for the team.
The former Lyon dynamo also leads the way for progressive carries towards the opposition’s goal, averaging 10.2 per 90 minutes, via FBref, which further highlights the need for him in the attacking third.
Once deemed “unplayable” by ex-teammate Joe Hart, this latest development is sure to leave many supporters thrilled by the prospect of their club-record £55m man thriving under Conte.
In fact, many have already reacted glowingly in response to Gold’s report – as relayed by This is Futbol this week.
A fit and firing Ndombele could well hold the keys to a more successful Spurs this season. If he is indeed in his best condition ever, then that is hugely positive news.
AND in other news, Paratici plotting Spurs swoop for “explosive” £31.5m-rated gem, Conte badly needs him…
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