What Arsenal’s Declan Rice once said about Tanguy Ndombele looks completely wrong after Tottenham release him
What Arsenal’s Declan Rice Once Said About Tanguy Ndombele Looks Completely Wrong After Tottenham Release
Arsenal star Declan Rice once praised Tottenham Hotspur’s Tanguy Ndombele, but with recent events, his assessment seems off the mark. As Ndombele’s contract with Tottenham comes to an end, Rice’s previous comments about the midfielder now appear misguided.
Declan Rice’s High Praise for Tanguy Ndombele
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Declan Rice is currently one of the top midfielders in the world. His exceptional debut season at Arsenal saw him excel not just as a defensive midfielder but also as a number eight. This versatility and talent are what Tottenham hoped to see from Ndombele when they signed him.
In the summer of 2019, Tottenham secured Ndombele from Lyon, beating out numerous other clubs. At the time, Ndombele was considered an incredible talent, having impressed with his performances in Ligue 1. His arrival at Tottenham for a club-record fee generated high expectations, especially under the guidance of then-manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Rice’s Enthusiastic Endorsement
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Declan Rice, who was already making a name for himself as a standout midfielder, was among those who believed in Ndombele’s potential. Rice had watched Ndombele’s performances at Lyon and was convinced he would excel in the Premier League. In an Instagram Live session in January 2021, Rice expressed his admiration, saying, “Ndombele, I said about this guy when I watched him at Lyon. I said this guy will kill the Premier League.”
Rice also mentioned that his Tottenham teammates in the England squad spoke highly of Ndombele. “All the Spurs boys at England say he’s unbelievable as well so Ndombele… proper player,” Rice added. His endorsement wasn’t just based on personal observation but also on feedback from those who trained with Ndombele.
The Reality of Ndombele’s Time at Tottenham
Despite the high expectations and initial praise, Ndombele’s tenure at Tottenham did not go as planned. After five years, it’s clear that things haven’t worked out for either party. Ndombele struggled to find consistent form and failed to live up to his potential, leading to Tottenham’s decision to terminate his contract.
Ndombele’s time at Tottenham was marred by inconsistent performances and adaptation issues. Although he had moments of brilliance, they were few and far between. The club’s decision to release him underscores the gap between the potential he showed at Lyon and his actual contributions at Tottenham.
Reflecting on Rice’s Comments
Rice’s earlier comments now seem misplaced. In another interview, when asked to name his toughest opponents, Rice had singled out Ndombele. “This one will surprise you. He gets slammed and hammered a little bit. It’s going to take you back, but Ndombele, who was with Spurs. The perception of him, it shouldn’t be what it is because I tell you now, he is one of the toughest I have played against. He is top,” Rice said.
Rice’s admiration extended to describing Ndombele as a “street footballer on the pitch” who plays with incredible confidence and flair. However, these attributes did not translate into success at Tottenham, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football careers.
A Tale of Unfulfilled Potential
The saga of Tanguy Ndombele at Tottenham is a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of football talent. While Declan Rice’s praise was based on genuine talent observed in Ndombele, the midfielder’s inability to adapt and perform consistently in the Premier League shows that potential does not always equate to success.
As Ndombele exits Tottenham, it serves as a reminder that football is as much about mental fortitude and adaptability as it is about raw skill. Declan Rice’s comments, though well-intentioned and based on observable talent, now appear overly optimistic in light of Ndombele’s struggles and ultimate release from Tottenham.
In the world of football, talent is just one piece of the puzzle. Success requires the right environment, mindset, and consistency – elements that unfortunately didn’t align for Ndombele at Tottenham.