How Tanguy Ndombele got on against Manchester United in the Champions League

Turkish journalist Mehmet Demirkol had predicted that Tanguy Ndombele was set to be dropped from the Galatasaray starting eleven after delivering a poor performance against Alanyaspor, but the on-loan Spurs man started against Man United last night. 

Ndombele’s loan spell at Galatasaray did not get off to the smoothest of starts, with there being reports of discontent over the midfielder’s attitude and his fitness (Fotospor).

However, it subsequently emerged during the international break that the Turkish club’s boss Okan Buruk had held ‘a special meeting’ with the player during the international break (Milliyet).

It was revealed that he stressed to the Frenchman that he believed in his talent and consequently, the 26-year-old showed an improvement in training.

It was suggested by Haberturk last week that the on-loan Spurs star will be handed a start against Alanyaspor and will be watched closely in training, with Buruk wanting to give him one ‘last chance to prove himself’.

Tanguy Ndombele is still not impressing out on loan

As predicted, Ndombele did start and play all 90 minutes on Saturday, with the Istanbul club emerging 4-0 winners at home.

Demirkol stated that the former Lyon man’s performance was not up to the required standard and that he would be left out of Galatasaray’s Champions League clash against Man Utd on Wednesday.

The journalist is quoted as saying by GS Gazete (as translated by Sport Witness): “Ndombele played mediocre against Alanyaspor. Kaan Ayhan will be in the midfield against Manchester United.”

However, Ndombele started against the Red Devils in a 3-3 draw last night. He was only handed a 6.3 rating by WhoScored. Despite having a 100 per cent passing accuracy, he only actually completed 16.

Ndombele only lasted an hour before being taken off. He only had 26 touches of the ball and played no key passes.

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The fact that Ndombele played 90 minutes is a step in the right direction and perhaps suggests that the Frenchman’s fitness is improving. We will see over the coming weeks if this was yet another false dawn or if perhaps the penny has finally dropped for the 26-year-old.