Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League • England
‘Very happy’ Rodrigo Bentancur opens up about Tottenham star who surprised him
Rodrigo Bentancur has spoken about playing with Harry Kane at Tottenham and believes his own game is developing quickly in the Premier League.
Bentacur was an initial £15.8m from Juventus in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old signed a contract until 2026 and has been a mainstay in Antonio Conte’s side since he arrived.
His signing though was not met with huge fanfare. And former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood told Sky Sports News earlier this month that signing the Uruguay international was a mistake.
“What they do is buy is Bentancur who gives the ball away more than he keeps it. And when he keeps it, he goes square and backwards,” said the 53-year-old.
But Bentancur has been impressive, playing in eight of nine Premier League games and starting seven since he arrived. He has managed one assist, but he has been used as a defensive midfielder by Conte in every game to date. And he put in super performance in the win over West Ham and recorded some impressive stats.
Bentancur had over 100 touches, won all his tackles and take-ons and finished with a 95% pass accuracy.
And after failing to nail down a regular place in the side for Juventus, Bentancur has revealed he is happy at Tottenham.
Bentancur made just 13 starts in 22 Serie A games in 2021 before signing for Conte.
Rodrigo Bentancur vs West Ham:
103 touches
100% tackles won
100% accurate long balls
100% take-ons completed
95% pass accuracyBossed it. 🇺🇾🇺🇾🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/g5zFI93ltN
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 20, 2022
Now though he is delighted to become such an integral figure under Conte.
“(I’m) very happy and getting minutes,” ESPN Argentina have reported him saying. “It’s the best league at the moment. I’m very happy to play for Tottenham in that league and to be taking this opportunity. (It) is going to help me a lot to keep improving.”
Suarez, Cavani pushed Bentancur to England
The 47-cap Uruguay star has played alongside some superstars for club an country, including Paulo Dybala, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. And he has paid tribute to Spurs skipper Kane, whom ESPN claim ‘surprised’ him the most.
“Technically and physically, he is an incredible player, very complete; it is an honour and a pleasure to have him as a team-mate,” said Bentancur.
Suarez and Cavani actually helped Bentancur decide on a move to England.
Bentancur to leave Juventus for Aston Villa thanks to Luis Suarez
Rodrigo Bentancur is ready to leave Juventus and join Aston Villa as winter spending continues
The Nueva Helvecia- born player, who was a target for Aston Villa, was on international duty with Uruguay when Suarez found out he has the chance to sign for Spurs.
Explaining the transfer last month, Bentancur told Sky Sports: “I was following my situation while on international duty. And as soon as Luis Suarez found out that there was a possibility of me coming to play in the Premier League, and for Tottenham, he made himself available to give me as much information as I required.
“Suarez said it would be a great move for me. And it would help me both professionally and personally. If I needed anything, he was willing to help me out.”
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