Pundit makes Raphinha claim after Tottenham star told by manager to change his ways
Noel Whelan has urged Tottenham star Tanguy Ndombele to copy Raphinha’s work ethic at Leeds United after coming under fire from Antonio Conte.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, has insisted it was “no surprise” to hear the Italian manager criticise the Frenchman’s lack of teamwork.
As quoted by Sky Sports (19th November), Conte insisted the 24-year-old “has to put his talent into the team for the best of the team”.
The newly-appointed Tottenham boss confessed he was working “very hard” with Ndombele to get more out of him.
Whelan suggested the France international needs to take a leaf out of Raphinha’s book.
Reacting to Conte’s comments, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “That’s no surprise to anybody, is it?
“Anytime we’ve spoken about Ndombele, he’s got all the talent but it’s not on the ball that we want to see that hard work. He’s got to be putting it in on the training ground.
“He’s got be working hard on the training ground. More importantly, he’s gonna be working off the ball for his teammates.
“Tackling, doing that horrible side of the game that’s very difficult for some people to get their head around. That’s what Conte is talking about. He knows there’s a player in there, we’ve seen it.
“We have seen the quality on the ball and we have seen the quality when he gets into the final third. It’s his off the ball attitude.
“Now Raphinha has got it, he works hard off the ball. He likes to involve himself defensively, in the midfield and in the attack.
“Now this is what Ndombele has got to try and learn and bring into his game. It does not matter whether in England or in Europe. You’re going to need to do that side of the football match.
“Otherwise managers are not going to play you. Players are going to end up wanting more out of you. More security, more help, especially when you’re playing in that midfield area.”
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