Jose Mourinho believes that Tanguy Ndombele's talent is "second to nobody" in Europe but admits the Tottenham midfielder continues to frustrate him.
The 24-year-old overcame a struggling first season after his club record move to Tottenham from Lyon when he was not trusted by Mourinho and clashed with the head coach, but he has now become a near ever present in the Premier League under the Portuguese.
Ndombele has played 40 matches in all competitions during this campaign, mostly in a deeper central role, scoring six times and laying on four assists, including the one for Harry Kane's second goal in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
The midfielder has started all but three matches in the Premier League since the beginning of October and has won his place back in the France squad this week after an 18-month absence.
However, Mourinho, in an interview with French TV channel Canal Plus ahead of Sunday's game, showed his frustration that the mercurial midfielder could still give plenty more.
"Tanguy, I have to be honest, Tanguy is the kind of guy who you always expect more than what he gives you, because he is so talented that you always expect more," he said.
"More because the talent is amazing. You know I think by the talent point of view, by the creation in midfield, by the vision, he is second to nobody at this moment in European football.
"But the feeling is always that he has something more to give. He never reaches the limits of the effort, the sacrifice, even the ambition.
"So he is the guy that I love him as a player but frustrates me a little bit because I think he can be much better, much better than what he is."
He added: "When I see for example France and Tanguy was not playing, I don't blame Didier [Deschamps]. I blame Tanguy, because he's better than the other guys.
"He should show that every day in training and in every match."
