Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has slammed midfielder Tanguy Ndombele for his performance against Burnley and demanded improvement.
The France international, 23, was hauled off at half-time, along with central partner Oliver Skipp in the 1-1 draw as the Clarets dominated at Turf Moor.
Sean Dyche’s side were able to swarm the duo as Mourinho played a 5-2-3, and Ndombele didn’t make a single tackle or interception.
He was replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, who from then on ran the game alongside Eric Dier in a 4-2-3-1 as the Portuguese manager tore up his plans.
Ndombele has had fitness issues this season and rarely completes more than 60 minutes when he starts fixtures, and has had a groin problem during the campaign.
But Mourinho insisted the £63million summer signing has had more than enough time to get up to speed in English football.
“In the first half we didn’t have a midfield,” moaned the Spurs boss.
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“Of course I’m not speaking of Skipp because he’s a kid of 19 who’s played two hours in the last few days. I don’t criticise him at all.
“But I’m not going to run away and I have to say he [Ndombele] has had enough time to come to a different level.
“I know the Premier League is difficult, and some players take a long time to adapt to a different league.
“But a player with his potential has to give us more than he is giving us, especially when you see how Lucas, Lo Celso and those players are playing. I was expecting more in the first half from him.
“Many fantastic players in their first season, in a new country, for different reasons they struggle. There have been many examples of that.
“He’s a player with great talent. He has to know he has to do much better and know I cannot keep giving him opportunities to play because the team is much more important.”
