Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SIS SEES UPTURN FOR BRO
Tottenham v Everton
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MOUSSA SISSOKO has backed ‘little brother’ Tanguy Ndombele to come good at Tottenham after a tricky start — just like he did.
Ndombele, 23, has had a rough year in north London following his club-record £54million switch from Lyon last summer.
He struggled for form under Mauricio Pochettino, and has been publicly rebuked by Jose Mourinho.
France star Ndombele hasn’t featured for Spurs since the restart and Mourinho had to play down reports of a bust-up over fitness.
Sissoko, who also failed to settle straight away after his move from Newcastle in 2016, said: “Tanguy’s first season has not been easy.
“I play with him for France so I know him very well — I told him just stay calm, be patient, keep working. He will be a success at the club.
“I am like his big brother and a good example, because nothing was easy for me at the beginning.
“We all believe in his quality, and he is still very young.”
Sissoko’s own relationship with Mourinho blossomed during his three months out with a knee ligament injury earlier this year.
Sissoko said: “He was close, asking me things each day — if I feel better, if I need something? That gives you a push, because he cares about you.”