International manager says Spurs star can play anywhere across the midfield

Marcelo Bielsa has lavished praise on Rodrigo Bentancur, admitting that the midfielder is quite unique, given his wide-ranging skill set. 

Tottenham fans are certainly aware of just how good Bentancur is, with the 26-year-old having become one of the most important players in the side prior to his ACL injury back in February.

In fact, Eric Dier even famously said last year that Spurs tend to play well when Bentancur does (One Football), and it was certainly no coincidence that the Lilywhites’ downturn in form coincided with the midfielder’s injury.

Bentancur played his first game for Uruguay in over eight months when he came on as a substitute just after the hour mark in the win over Argentina over the weekend.

The Tottenham man was handed his first start since February in the 3-0 win over Bolivia on Tuesday and he received plenty of plaudits for his display, with Fotmob giving him a rating of 8.3 out of 10 rating.

Could Bentancur be Spurs’ Maddison replacement?

Bielsa has now spoken about what sets Bentancur apart from others, pointing out that not many midfielders have as much of a well-rounded skillset as he does.

The Uruguay boss told El Observador about the Spurs: “He is a player that it is difficult to find an area of the midfield that he is not in a position to assume. 

“There are not many players who defend like a holding midfielder, who attack and defend like an interior, like a number 8, like a mixed midfielder, and that when they reach the rival area he has the resources, the qualities of an offensive midfielder.

“It is a very special case within football in general. A player who in himself meets the conditions for all places on the field. Today he stood out clearly.”

Spurs Web Opinion

With the injuries that Ange Postecoglou is currently dealing with, Bentancur’s return is certainly very timely. I do not think the Australian will start the midfielder against Villa, given that he played almost a full 90 minutes on Tuesday but I can see the 26-year-old starting against Manchester City.

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