Rodrigo Bentancur may not have scored against Bodo/Glimt, but the stats paint a clear picture – Spurs’ best player on the pitch was not among the goals.
One could barely fault any of Tottenham Hotspur’s players’ performance against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night. It was a solid display from Spurs, one that showed grit, determination and professionalism.
The north Londoners were class, and from the opening seconds of the game, Postecoglou’s men set the tone for the tie by grabbing an early goal and ensuring they secured a win, with the tie ending 3-1.
Of course, much of the praise often goes to the goal scorers, however, underlying numbers have now revealed that one midfielder was just as key to Tottenham’s victory.
Rodrigo Bentancur shines in Spurs win over Bodo/Glimt
According to statistics from Squawka, it has been revealed that Bentancur was the most influential midfielder on the pitch on Thursday night.
The Uruguayan was all over the place, making things tick for Spurs, and stats now back it up.
According to underlying numbers, no player in the game had more touches (62), won more duels (11/12), put in more tackles (5), or won more aerial duels (4/4) than Bentancur.
In fact, in terms of possession won, only Destiny Udogie (10) managed more than the Uruguayan (9).
Add to that, the midfielder had a pass accuracy of 77% after completing 37 of 48 passes, had 1 shot on target from 1 attempt, and could have easily scored if not for a smart save from the Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper.
He also completed 1 of 2 dribbles, had a touch in the opposition box and played four passes into the final third.
Spurs must secure Bentancur’s new contract soon
Indeed, it was a player-of-the-match type of performance, and one that Tottenham have become used to, particularly in Europe this season, as Rodrigo Bentancur was solid as well against Frankfurt over the two legs.
With the midfielder’s contract set to expire next summer, Spurs would be doing their utmost to tie him down to a new deal, as the Uruguayan, who has had an up-and-down season, looks to be getting back to his best.
There have been talks of Bentancur’s contract extension with Tottenham being in the preliminary stage, but no deal has been confirmed.
This has also led to Bentancur being linked with a move away from Spurs, with Atletico Madrid said to be sniffing around.
But with performances like this and the quality Bentancur has, his signing a new contract would be a big boost for Spurs ahead of next season.