Is high-flying Premier League winger an ideal Morgan Rogers alternative for Tottenham? – TTLB Opinion

Tottenham had been fortifying interest in a bid to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a while now. But there have been reports that the England international has been closing in on a new contract with the current employers. This possible contract extension at Villa Park will be a massive blow for the North Londoners. And given that it is a six-year contract extension, it rules out any possible switch for the foreseeable future at least.

But after all that Tottenham have learnt in the summer, they need to pivot to other targets. And this is where the Lilywhites have been looking at a move for the Everton number 10, per Team Talk.

Why Ndiaye?

Given that Tottenham have been looking for someone who can play across the front line, especially given how the North Londoners have had injury concerns in the past couple of seasons, his versatility would come in quite handy at times.

In Ndiaye, the North Londoners get someone who is going to be that extra runner in behind the defence trying to get the better of structures (and his marker) with his dribbling and intelligence. And then he likes to get around the final third and combine with his teammates (especially with his quick give-and-gos that we have seen at Everton). Ndiaye is also quite apt with his counter presses and understanding of presses and triggers, which can come crucial in Frank’s system at N17.

He will not be someone who shields the ball long like Kudus, but every time he is on the ball, he tries to make something happen.

How can Ndiaye fit under Thomas Frank?

The 25-year-old French-born Senegal international is a versatile profile, and that is something that Frank loves to have in his roster. He can have Ndiaye start off on the left and then drift into the half-spaces when pocket spaces emerge. Or he can also partner a traditional #9, much like he does at times with Beto at Everton. And this is the kind of fluidity which lets Tottenham shuffle their structure between a three-man forward line and a 3-2-5 (in sustained possessions).

Against deep blocks, you can use him more as a connector, given his willingness to take on his man and try to get the better of structures. And then he is rapid and smart, so when space opens up, he can be ideal to get in behind and drag through the pitch effectively.

If Frank wants to bring someone who gives him that tactical flexibility on the pitch, then Ndiaye is quite a shout.

Iliman Ndiaye vs Morgan Rogers – does the Toffees forward fit the bill?

From a footballing perspective, describing him just as a Morgan Rogers alternative is quite a wide way to look at it. Both of the players are quite distinct in how they operate despite the fact that we see both of them act as the carrier in chief for their respective employers.

Ideally the Aston Villa man is a left-sided attacker that has that ability to receive to feet and combine with the central players with the ability to carry the ball through traffic. Rogers is more of that highly technical player on that left channel who can drop into midfield lines and progress play. While Ndiaye is someone who is more of a volume presser who likes to drive with the ball, link up play, and try to use his flair to get the better of structures.

Both of them can solve different problems. With Ndiaye, Frank can bring in someone who is more of a vertical threat but possesses that off-the-ball work. But if you want to carry and create, then Rogers has quite an upper hand over Ndiaye.