‘Don’t think he’s disciplined enough’: Jamie Redknapp fears for Tottenham’s 2019 signing under Conte

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Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports (broadcast on 21/11; 19:08) that he does not believe that Tanguy Ndombele is disciplined enough to play in Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield two under Antonio Conte.

Spurs have made an encouraging start to life under the Italian. Certainly, they provided a glimpse of the potential that they have in the second-half of Sunday’s win over Leeds United.

It will have come as no surprise to anyone aware of Conte’s style to see the system that Tottenham have used so far.

Their wing-backs played a key role. And Spurs’ ability to win the second-half battle in the middle of the park arguably set the stage for the victory.

It was Harry Winks who featured alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with Oliver Skipp suspended for the game.

‘Vacates the midfield space too often’

Of course, that meant that Tanguy Ndombele retained a place on the bench. The Frenchman is yet to start a game under Conte.

And ultimately, it proved to be the first time since Conte’s appointment that Ndombele has failed to get onto the pitch.

It would appear that the 24-year-old has got to prove himself to yet another manager. He has, of course, had struggles under all of his previous bosses at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And unfortunately for Ndombele, Redknapp is not convinced about him winning Conte over, especially when it comes to trying to earn a place in that midfield two.

“Ndombele right now in a two, if you’re going to play with Winks and Hojbjerg, I don’t think he’s disciplined enough in this system,” he told Sky Sports.

“If [Conte] wants to play that way, I think he vacates the midfield space too often and then you’re putting the defence under pressure.”

Ndombele could be huge player for Tottenham if Conte can find his best role

Both Redknapp and Robbie Keane went on to hint that Ndombele’s best role in a Conte system may be in one of the two spots near Harry Kane.

Lucas Moura had a mixed afternoon on Sunday. Energy-wise, he stepped up. But he was not able to provide much quality in the win.

Whether Ndombele can match his energy remains to be seen. But there is no question that Conte could have a devastating option up his sleeve if he can get the best out of Ndombele in one way or another.