How Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur made century-long Uruguay history vs South Korea

Tottenham Hotspur's Rodrigo Bentancur captained Uruguay against South Korea on Monday evening.

Unlike many other international teams, Uruguay aren't contesting competitive fixtures during this break.

Diego Forlan's side had three friendlies scheduled, with games against Japan and now South Korea already in the books.

They'll play their final one against India on 6 October, with Bentancur having played in both the previous two friendlies.

Monday's game had a particular importance for the Tottenham midfielder, however.

And he would mark it in excellent fashion, with Uruguay running out emphatic 4-1 winners in Seoul.

What Uruguayan history did Rodrigo Bentancur write vs South Korea?

Bentancur has long been in the picture for Uruguay at international level.

He represented them 14 times at Under-20 level before eventually winning his first senior cap all the way back in 2017.

Monday night was the Spurs star's 79th senior cap for Uruguay, and that number marks a hugely impressive milestone for him and his national team.

As detailed via ESPN Deportes, moving to 79 caps sees the Lilywhites man surpass Rodolfo Rodriguez's 78 for the Sky Blue.

In doing so, he's now won more caps than any Uruguayan player did in the entirety of the 20th century.

But did his individual performance ensure he marked this occasion fittingly?

Bentancur may have been hoping for better on historic Uruguay day

His team may have ran out 4-1 winners over the South Koreans, but Bentancur might just be feeling he could've done more.

Leading Uruguay out on his big day, he endured a mixed bag of a performance in the heart of Forlan's engine room.

Per FotMob, he completed a mediocre 82 per cent of his passes and three of his seven long ball attempts, whilst creating zero chances and winning just two of his six ground duels.

He did, however, play five passes into the final third, took 75 touches (the most of any Uruguay player), made two tackles and seven recoveries.

Bentancur was also dispossessed and dribbled past on one occasion each, as well as giving away two fouls.

Overall then, regarding his performance on the pitch, it was far from Bentancur's best night in a Uruguay shirt.

But it didn't need to be, as his comrades took care of business and ensured he could celebrate his landmark achievement with a big win.

With a week to go until Uruguay's final friendly against India, Bentancur has plenty of time to rest before likely being included in Forlan's XI again.

Following that, he can return to North London full of confidence and in good spirits, which is exactly what Roberto De Zerbi needs in his Spurs squad right now.