Tanguy Ndombele: French midfielder in action for Spurs
Tanguy Ndombele: French midfielder in action for Spurs

Tanguy Ndombele scores on Premier League debut with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino saying there's a lot more to come


Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino warned that Tanguy Ndombele only showed 40 percent of his potential despite his fantastic Premier League debut.

The France international, who cost £63million from Lyon in the summer, announced his arrival in brilliant fashion as he scored a fine equaliser for Spurs in their 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

It was the highlight of a debut that got better and better as the match went on, especially clicking with second-half substitute Christian Eriksen.

Boss Pochettino had previously warned that the 22-year-old will take time to settle into the English game and says there is much more to come.

"It was a fantastic performance," Pochettino said. "But to be honest there is a lot to improve, he only showed 30 or 40 per cent of his potential. He has amazing potential to improve.

"It's one of the aspects he needs to work on, he didn't score too many goals at Lyon, but that is one of the areas that is a target for him to improve this season.

"It is so early, in his first game he scored. I am delighted for him, he is a player that arrived to the team from another country and it is always a difficult adaption and it is going to help him to feel happy and comfortable on the pitch and with his team."

Eriksen's introduction changed the game as the Dane helped unpick a Villa defence that were doggedly holding on to a lead given to them by John McGinn's ninth-minute opener.

LISTEN: Our football team run through the latest news, views and incidents from the Premier League
LISTEN: Our football team run through the latest news, views and incidents from the Premier League

Eriksen's future is a constant topic of conversation as he could leave the club before the end of the European transfer window, and while Pochettino leaving him on the bench could have easily been put down to his situation, the boss hinted he is still not fully fit after a summer operation.

"Of course when Christian went on to the pitch he was more fresh and had more quality, of course he is a top player. He helped the team to win the game, I am so happy.

"That is the advantage of a player that cannot play 90 minutes, but is on the bench and his quality can help you to achieve the victory."

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