‘Want him to dominate a game’ – Heskey expects more from big money signing at Spurs

Emile Heskey has hailed the ability Tanguy Ndombele possesses but admitted that he wants to see the midfielder dominate games rather than just show glimpses of his quality.

Ndombele was heavily linked with a move away from North London during the summer after enduring a difficult first season in North London.

However, he has quickly established himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet this season and been one of Tottenham’s main creative outlets in an advanced 10 role.

Heskey admitted to being impressed with some moments that the 23-year-old has produced in matches but insisted that there is more to come from him.

The former Liverpool striker told HITC: “That’s the toughest thing in football – (producing) consistency. With Ndombele, you can see (the talent), the little glimpses – five minutes here, two minutes there, a touch here, a touch there – but you want him to dominate a game throughout the whole time he’s on that pitch.

“He’s got the ability to do that but hasn’t shown it just yet. It’ll be fascinating to see whether Jose Mourinho can get that out of him.

“He’s given him a bit of a kick up the backside with some of the comments but he’s still stuck with him and put him back him to go back out there and perform.

“You see little bits of him when he looks phenomenal, to be honest. He’s got all the hallmarks to be consistently good but you don’t want to just see little flashes, particularly at a club like Tottenham.”

Heskey admitted that Ndombele and Lo Celso are likely to have the bulk of the creative burden for Jose Mourinho’s side this season and insisted that Tottenham could struggle if they are not at their best.

The former England international added: “(Ndombele and Lo Celso) are the ones who create stuff, they’re the ones who drive with the ball.

“They get in those little pockets and receive the ball and start breaking lines, asking problems of the defenders. You need them. If you don’t have them in your team, you will struggle.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We are unlikely to see Ndombele dominate games like he did at Lyon if he continues being used as the furthest forward of the three midfielders in a 4-3-3. He played deeper for Lyon which enabled him to get on the ball more and set the tempo. However, I think his current position might actually be the best one for us as a team. He sometimes leaves a lot to be desired when he is chasing back. That is perhaps why Jose has decided to use him in a role where he has the freedom to give the ball away and can be aggressive in the press.

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