Ndombele not in squad – Five major talking points from the Tottenham starting XI

Tottenham Hotspur take on Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup final this evening at the Allianz Arena after they beat Real Madrid in the semis yesterday.

Pochettino has now named his starting XI, and there are a number of talking points, from surprise inclusions to missing stars.

Let’s take a look at the top five talking points:

Where is Ndombele?

Rather strangely, Tottenham’s newest signing is nowhere to be seen. Not only does he not make the starting line up, but he isn’t even on the bench. This usually tends to suggest either illness or injury, but let’s hope and pray for the first one.

Nkoudou returns –

Smells like a shop window to me. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou returned from the cold yesterday for a cameo against Real Madrid, but earns a start against Bayern today. I seem to remember a similar thing happening last season and I can only assume that Levy is trying to shift him before the new campaign.

Parrott misses out –

I expected young Troy Parrott to start up top with Lucas Moura today after his impressive performances of late, but Poch lumped for Nkoudou instead. Perhaps he doesn’t want to give the Irishmen too much too soon. However, Parrott certainly looks like the real deal!

First choice Rose –

Back in the squad, two starts in two days, it seems as if Danny Rose is once again the first choice. I for one am over the moon at this as I believe he still has so much to offer the club and is one of the best left-backs in the Prem still.

Lamela in favour –

One of the best players against Real Madrid, Erik Lamela has been handed his second start in as many days by Pochettino. Let’s hope that the Argentine can stay injury-free and kick on this season, as he has all the talent and desire in the world.

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