Thread by @CoachesVoice

A THREAD! 👇 After a disjointed first season, Tanguy Ndombele is starting to show Tottenham fans glimpses of his true potential. Our coaches reveal how the arrival of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and José Mourinho's tactics have contributed to this 🇫🇷 #THFC

Tanguy Ndombele struggled in his first season at Spurs, in part due to problems with his fitness but also because of their lack of a high-quality holding midfielder. There wasn’t a player who could do the essentials alongside Ndombele and allow the Frenchman to thrive ⚪ #THFC

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, signed from Southampton, can do just that. With Hojbjerg alongside him, Ndombele has the freedom to work in the areas he is most comfortable. Spurs therefore have a player in midfield who can carry the ball forward and turn defence into attack ⚪ #THFC

During 2019/20, when Mourinho was unconvinced by Ndombele’s fitness, the Portuguese had little confidence in their other central midfielders. Those doubts meant that he would often instruct his defenders to bypass their midfield and to play long balls towards Harry Kane ⚪ #THFC

With Ndombele starting, Spurs can play through midfield to move up the pitch and retain possession through the thirds – and he attempts to do so with bold and daring moves and passes, even when close to his own goal ⚪ #THFC

Ndombele covers a vast amount of ground given he contributes defensively, and also constantly provides a passing option. He moves all over the pitch supporting teammates and looking to help them play out of tight situations before a switch of play into space ⚪ #THFC

Spurs’ tactics under Mourinho are largely centred around getting Son Heung-min or Lucas Moura through on goal or their attacking right-back into space. Ndombele helps draw opponents towards one side of the pitch, thereby opening up space elsewhere for others to run into ⚪ #THFC

He is more suited to playing short passes, so often isn’t the player who actually makes the switch of play but that should not diminish the vital role he plays. He is looking more and more a key figure as Spurs gather pace in their pursuit of silverware ⚪ #THFC