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This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Tanguy Ndombele has been ruled out of Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Newcastle United on Sunday, the club have confirmed.

On the chalkboard

Ndombele moved to Spurs in the summer and has impressed in his first two outings for the club.

He scored in the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa and played a vital role in the club’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

He is likely to be missed against the Magpies, too, with his showings thus far pointing to a well-rounded, exceptionally talented midfield player.

Ndombele has scored once and registered one assist already in 2019/20 and, per WhoScored, has averaged four tackles per game in the top-flight, as well as 1.5 interceptions.

He also averages a pass completion rate of 86.1% from an average pass number of 50.5.

Offensively, Ndombele averages two dribbles per game, along with one shot.

This is a player who can do the dirty work, winning the ball back and helping his team defensively, and also take the ball forward, influencing the game in the final third.

An upgrade

Sources have confirmed to Football FanCast that Ndombele was Mauricio Pochettino’s top target this summer.

He identified him as a potential acquisition long before the window opened and, after paying a club-record transfer fee, the club got their man.

And Ndombele is already beginning to pay the money back.

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His goal against Villa was superb, running on to a loose ball and firing into the bottom corner, bending it around defender Tyrone Mings in the process, while his performance against City was effective at both ends of the pitch.

An excellent midfielder who has undoubtedly improved Spurs, he will be sorely missed against Steve Bruce’s Magpies.