Thomas Frank told solution to Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur problem at Tottenham, it’s already worked perfectly this season
Thomas Frank has encountered issues finding the right balance in his Tottenham midfield this season.
Thomas Frank has struggled to utilise Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur effectively, leading to criticism from supporters.
Palhinha started in defence during Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, as Frank rang the changes.
While the Portugal international and Bentancur have struggled to adapt consistently well as a partnership, Frank has been told he does have a blueprint to follow that could yield success moving forward.
Thomas Frank has proven he can solve Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur issue
The Lilywhites’ performances at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been disjointed at times this season, as Frank still battles to find an effective starting XI.
Many fans and pundits are of the opinion that Palhinha and Bentancur are too similar to work as an effective partnership at Tottenham, especially at home when teams often sit back and look to hit them on the counter-attack.
Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham thinks that moving forward, Palhinha should start as a lone pivot in the heart of midfield for home matches, but that the pair have proven they can be utilised effectively in away games as they were for the 2-0 win at Manchester City back in August.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I think for away games, as we saw it done to absolute perfection, like Man City away, it can work an absolute treat.
“For the home games, though, I think moving forward, the lessons have to be learned from the first four home games where we’ve only got one win, two losses and a draw. So, the lesson has to be that this does not work in the home games.
“Start Palhinha in the home games, but put him next to Pape Matar Sarr or Lucas Bergvall, rather than Bentancur, to give us a runner in there, give us some energy, box-to-box style.
“The away games, I’m still of the opinion, that we haven’t lost a game, we’re undefeated away, aren’t we? So, I’m still of the opinion that it works in the away games. I really am.
“So for me, I’d still be going with Bentancur and Palhinha every away game, and the home games, I’d be going with Palhinha with a Sarr or a Bergvall and then also Xavi Simons in the 10.”
- Read more: Tottenham fans issue ‘formal apology’ to Guglielmo Vicario after ‘horrendous’ scenes vs Newcastle
What has Frank said about Palhinha and Bentancur partnership?
While supporters have not been completely enamoured by the pairing of Palhinha and Bentancur, it appears as though Frank likes the security of having two controlling midfielders.
Speaking after Tottenham drew 1-1 with Wolves at the end of September, Frank spoke glowingly about the duo.
- Palhinha has started eight league games for Tottenham this season.
- The 30-year-old has played 693 minutes for Spurs.
- He joined on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich in the last transfer window.
In quotes reported by the Standard, Frank said: “I think it’s fair to say both Rodri and Joao have been very good for us so far in the season.
“And Lucas [Bergvall] has been fantastic, so you like to keep your players that are a little bit in the flow.”
Tottenham host Chelsea this weekend in a blockbuster London derby. It remains to be seen if Frank will stick with the pairing or if Wenham’s advice will be heeded.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @tottenhamnews247