Italian journalist completely backtracks on Tanguy Ndombele prediction after stunning Napoli debut

An Italian journalist has done a complete turnaround on how he thinks Tanguy Ndombele will fare at Napoli after witnessing the player’s debut for the club in a friendly.

Tottenham’s record signing moved to Naples on loan this summer, with the Serie A side reportedly able to make the move a permanent one for around £25million at any point during the season.

And while the jury is still out over whether the Frenchman will remain in Italy, he’s certainly made a big early impression.

Ndombele lined up in the Napoli side for a friendly clash with Juve Stabia on Wednesday.

He then made the headlines with a stunning goal and played so well that journalist Valter De Maggio was forced into a backdown.

He told Radio Kiss Kiss, as relayed by Napoli Piu: “I have to say my mea culpa for what I said about the midfielder Ndombele and I have no problem recognising my mistake in some of my evaluations. I said I’d never break up a midfield of Stanislav Lobotka, Frank Anguissa and Piotr Zielinski to bring in Ndombele.

“After seeing what the former Tottenham man did against Juve Stabia, I changed my mind. How can you keep such a player out?

“The French footballer, for all the qualities he has, must absolutely also be a protagonist of the new Luciano Spalletti branded Napoli.”

Ndombele failed to convince numerous Tottenham managers that he was worth a run in the side. Indeed, his best spell came under Jose Mourinho before the Portuguese was eventually sacked.

Ndombele not a Conte-type player

The Frenchman never stood a chance under Conte, given the Italian’s focus on work rate and discipline.

That forced him to head back to old club Lyon on loan last season. However, they decided against a permanent return.

But Ndombele is hoping a stint in a completely new league will see him rediscover his best form.

He certainly cannot have done much more to make an early impression after his efforts against Stabia.

Napoli open up their Serie A season with a trip to Fiorentina on Sunday evening.

They will also be in the Champions League and could actually face Tottenham. The draw takes place on Thursday evening.

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