Paul Robinson: Tanguy Ndombele can use Granit Xhaka inspiration to turn Tottenham career around
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Paul Robinson has backed Tottenham castaway Tanguy Ndombele to make an impact under Ange Postecoglou but notes he has a lot to prove following poor performances in north London.
Ndombele spent last season on loan at Serie A champions and Champions League quarter-finalists Napoli where he became an influential component in their midfield which helped rebuild his reputation as an elite footballer.
However, the Frenchman failed to impress under Jose Mourinho and has been twice loaned out in his four-year Spurs career despite being the club’s record signing [Transfermarkt].
Now, Robinson hopes the £53million man can revive his Premier League career after a quality season and make a real impact in a culturally-changed Tottenham.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “He’s got a lot to prove. I don’t think he’s ever hit the heights of what Spurs fans expected when he came in as the club’s record signing. There were times when he underperformed.
“His biggest problem was his attitude and his application. His quality at times shone through, but you didn’t see his quality often enough. He was questioned on the training ground about his timekeeping and his attitude towards training.
“But he’s gone to Serie A, won a title with Napoli, and his relationship with the manager is very important. The previous managers Spurs have had, whether it’s Conte, or Mourinho, the relationship that he’s had with them may have been divisive, rather than positive.
“Whether Postecoglou can get the best out of him, or not will be important.
“It will certainly divide opinions among Spurs fans because of the way that he’s played and behaved wearing a Spurs shirt. But divided opinions never stopped them from being a good football player.
“At the risk of talking about Arsenal, look at what Granit Xhaka did there. People thought, including myself, that he’d never play for the club again. So, your performances and team results will very quickly change fans’ opinions, but he’s got a lot of work to do.“
In other Tottenham news, a Spurs youngster has signed his first professional contract, but injury troubles in the past.