Why Newcastle brought out the best in Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele

Tanguy Ndombele, who scored one and created another against Newcastle, showcased his undeniable ability to proficiently play as Tottenham’s No. 10.

The Frenchman was lively and repeatedly found pockets of space between Newcastle’s back four and midfield. While feverish debate has persisted about where he performs best, Tanguy’s outstanding outing against the Magpies was enough to convince many that he is best suited for the No. 10 role.

In truth, Newcastle made things particularly easy for Tanguy, who was left in acres of space throughout the contest.

The main knock on Tanguy and his claim on Tottenham’s No. 10 role is how much he struggles to dictate proceedings and showcase his skillset when space is at a premium, against elite sides.

Tottenham have won both matches this season, though against perceived inferior teams Newcastle and Aston Villa, with Tanguy employed as the No. 10. The 24-year-old didn’t play in Tottenham’s first four matches and was utilized in a deeper and wider midfield role against Arsenal and Chelsea, matches in which he was palpably ineffective.

In the more advanced and central No. 10 role, Tanguy was at his lively, evasive best against Newcastle and also played fairly well against Villa. Nuno has certainly found his preferred position for the talented, albeit mercurial, Frenchman.

Can Tanguy dominate as No. 10 against Premier League’s elite?

The big question is whether Tanguy can thrive in the No. 10 role against top opposition. Recent history suggests he still has a lot to prove against the Premier League’s best.

Tanguy has played the majority of his 81 matches at Tottenham since joining from Lyon in deeper midfield positions. Regardless of his position on the pitch, the bulk of Tanguy’s success at Spurs has come against lesser opponents. Of his 10 goals in all competitions with Spurs, just one — against Manchester United — has come against a top side.

More is expected of Tanguy, especially against higher quality opponents. That much is clear. He needs to find a way to overcome the space constraints against better sides. Hopefully the opportunity to consistently play as Spurs’ No. 10 will finally provide the platform Tanguy needs to meet the exceedingly high expectations his £55 million price tag comes with.

It’s important for Nuno to consistently start Tanguy as Spurs first-choice No. 10. There will invariably be some teething problems — particularly against the Premier League’s elite — but Tanguy’s skillset is most conducive to playing in the more advanced, free No. 10 role.

Now it’s up to the gifted Frenchman to prove he can also excel against teams that won’t allow him the time and space Newcastle did on Sunday.