Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has called for patience with record signing Tanguy Ndombele while the midfielder acclimatises to life in north London.
The 23-year-old arrived for a club-record £65million from Lyon in July and made an instant impact on his debut, setting up Lucas Moura's goal against Juventus just minutes after coming off the bench.
The France international played 80 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Inter Milan on Sunday as he made his first appearance at the new Tottenham Stadium but struggled to make an impression.
Pochettino admits Ndombele has had a "difficult" time adapting to life at his new club, but insists he only needs to be given time to settle in to his new surroundings.
"For him it’s difficult. We cannot expect too much," the Argentine told reporters after the game.
"We need to accept he needs time to adapt to first a new culture, a new country, new habits.
"Of course it’s only him who arrived to the club and that makes it more difficult. When a few players are new they can help each other but it’s only him.
"We need to give him time but I am happy in the way he is adapting. He is open to improving and learning but needs time to [until we] see the best version of him."
Ndombele is in line to make his competitive debut in Tottenham's opening game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa on Saturday.
