Tanguy Ndombele has made quite the impact at Lyon following his return to his former club on loan from Tottenham.
Barely featuring under Antonio Conte and training away from the first-team squad before his January transfer deadline day exit, the Frenchman was given the green light to depart and it did appear that he would be linking up with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.
However, that move never materialised and he instead joined up with Lyon again two-and-a-half years on from his exit to join Tottenham for a club-record fee.
Trailing 2-0 against Monaco in his first game back for the Ligue 1 side, Ndombele was introduced from the bench at half-time at Stade Louis II and had an immediate impact on the match but unfortunately couldn't help his team get something from the fixture.
It was no surprise to see the 25-year-old named in Peter Bosz's starting XI last weekend against Nice and he duly wowed the home fans with a fine performance as they ran out 2-0 winners, registering an assist for Karl Toko Ekambi's second half goal.
As per Fotmob, the midfielder recorded a pass success rate of 92 per cent following 78 accurate passes from his 85 attempted, he made two key passes in the game, made six recoveries and also had 101 touches.
French publication L'Equipe hailed him as 'master of tempo' in his 89 minutes on the bench and he was awarded an eight in their player ratings.
As L'Equipe are notoriously tough markers in their ratings with only 12 players ever recording a perfect ten, the fact Ndombele was given an eight highlights that he had quite the game.
Even Nice boss Christophe Galtier hailed him after their 2-0 defeat with his side coming up against a very talented midfield.
“[Tanguy] Ndombele is a very high level player, he put a lot of pressure on, with a lot of technical quality. But there is Ndombele, there is [Lucas] Paqueta, pff…” he said, as reported by Sport Witness.
Ndombele also spoke to the media after the game and delivered his verdict on his performance and claimed it's getting "better and better" for him at Lyon.
"It went well, I'm happy with the three points. I'm trying to find my bearings as quickly as possible even if I don't have too much time, but that's fine, I know this house a little," he said, as reported by Foot01.
"I hope this bodes well for the future. It's getting better and better, it's true that the team has changed since I left, but I know my partners better.
"They are very good players, so I hope the adaptation will go even faster. I was very happy to return to the stadium, to see the welcome from the supporters.
"I feel good with Maxence (Caqueret), he is a very good player, we manage to play well together. Sometimes he goes up, sometimes I go up.
"There is no problem with the coach, we are all with him, we try to be together and not to listen to what is said outside."
Currently seventh in the table as they look to push for a European spot, Ndombele will be back in action on Saturday evening when his side travel to Lens.
