Jose Mourinho has suggested that Tanguy Ndombele's performance against Lokomotiv Plovdiv could be the turning point in his Tottenham Hotspur career.
The Frenchman climbed off the bench in Bulgaria and more than played his part as Spurs avoided embarrassment in their Europa League qualifier.
Immediately making a difference to Spurs' play, he opened his account for the season by bundling the ball home from close range to score what turned out to the all-important winner.
It was certainly one of the brighter moments of Ndombele's time at Spurs following his club-record transfer from Lyon last month and Mourinho has been quick to praise the midfielder.
"Tanguy is in a process of evolution. Last season he wasn't," Mourinho said in his post-match press conference. "Last season he stuck in a situation where I couldn't see evolution.
"In this moment he's training very, very well.
"He's recovering from his injury, he's recovering physically and today he gave us what we needed in this last 30 minutes.
"In this moment, I believe in Tanguy. I never doubted his quality. Never. I doubted in some moments his motivation and commitment and professional attitude.
"In this moment I believe in him.
"Today we made this decision together to not start the game because he also feels that he needs a bit more but in this moment I think that Tanguy can do well for us."
Mourinho's comments could mean Ndombele is staying put amid constant talk of a move before the summer transfer window closes next month.
Juventus have been one of the clubs tipped to make a move for the France international and according to Calciomercato, they were ready to offer Spurs a choice of three players in a potential swap deal for the midfielder.
However, it would appear that Mourinho is ready to place his trust in Ndombele.
