Garth Crooks heaps praise on new Tottenham signing Tanguy Ndombele

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Garth Crooks has claimed in his BBC Sport Team of the Week column that Tanguy Ndombele’s debut for Tottenham Hotspur against Aston Villa was one of the best he has seen in recent years.

Ndombele, 22, was finally substituted in injury time after a marvellous display that saw Tottenham’s new club-record signing become the catalyst in their comeback against newly-promoted Aston Villa.

Villa took the lead through John McGinn, but Ndombele equalised with a superb effort from 20 yards out which beat Tom Heaton through curl and power. Harry Kane notched a double in the last 10, securing a 3-1 win for Spurs.

Former Tottenham striker Crooks claimed that Ndombele’s first competitive outing shows signs that he will make a better start to life at Spurs than Eric Dier, Moussa Dembele and Victor Wanyama – who all shone from the off.

“So what do Spurs have here? I’ve seen Moussa Dembele, Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama make promising starts at White Hart Lane but none of them started like Tanguy Ndombele,” Crooks said.

“The Frenchman’s debut goal that put Spurs back in the game against Aston Villa was glorious.

“I’ve seen better performances but seldom have I seen better finishes on a debut. I’m told that Tottenham’s record signing has much more to offer which is just as well. Tottenham have had some wonderful midfielders over the years and he’s got some big shoes to fill.”

TBR’s view – Ndombele’s magic saves Spurs opening-day blushes

But it would have been so different 12 months ago. Last season, with Spurs crying out for a goal just to save a point and Christian Eriksen on the bench – Dele Alli not involved – Spurs would have succumbed to defeat.

Now, Mauricio Pochettino has brought in a player that can make the difference. Not many will have expected such an impact straight away, but it is fair to say that 12 months ago – without Ndombele – that may have been a loss.

The Frenchman’s calm aura spread among his teammates. There was no panic; just a collective belief to execute the game plan and pin Aston Villa further and further back. They did that, and landed all three points.

Last season, it would have been a different story.