Jose Mourinho drops massive hint about Tanguy Ndombele’s future at Tottenham

Jose Mourinho didn’t say a lot about Tanguy Ndombele during his press conference on Friday, but he did clarify the midfielder’s future at Tottenham.

The subject of Tanguy Ndombele has been a hot topic for Tottenham fans all summer long. Fans who listened closely to Jose Mourinho’s press conference on Friday actually learned a great deal about how the French midfielder fits into Spurs’ plans this season.

Mourinho specifically mentioned Ndombele as a midfielder who is “more creative” and “offensive-minded” during his comments to the media ahead of Sunday’s match against Everton. In particular, that contrasts him with new signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who is expected to sit deeper and provide support to the club’s back four.

The Portuguese gaffer named both Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso as midfielders who should be expected to contribute more to his side’s attack. The fact that Lo Celso hasn’t featured in training this preseason makes it obvious he won’t be involved this weekend against the Toffees.

What does Jose Mourinho have in mind for Tanguy Ndombele?

That doesn’t mean Ndombele will waltz right into Mourinho’s’ starting XI for the Premier League opener. He only played 45 minutes during his club’s most recent pre-season friendly. The idea that he can start against Everton and play a full 90 minutes runs contrary to logic.

Nonetheless, Spurs fans can take comfort in the fact that Ndombele does seem to feature in Mourinho’s plans this season. It’s obvious that the Frenchman lacks the defensive prowess to thrive in his manager’s double-pivot. Moving him forward to play as a No. 10 or switching tactics to employ a midfield three could unlock Ndombele’s prodigious potential this season.

Mourinho’s mention of Ndombele on Friday should put an end to speculation about him leaving Tottenham this summer. He’s not out of chances with his manager quite yet. There’s still time for him to become a massive part of Spurs’ future plans.