Ange Postecoglou outlines plan for midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur ahead of Tottenham v Chelsea
Ange Postecoglou accepts Tottenham will need to remain “really diligent” when it comes to managing the workload of fit-again midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
The Uruguay international made his first appearance in over eight months as a late substitute in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last Friday [27 October].
After spending such a long period on the sidelines with an ACL injury, Postecoglou will not push him too much ahead of the visit of Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday [6 November].
Speaking to SPURSPLAY [2 November, 1m 1s], Postecoglou said: “He’s like everyone else. He’s working hard at training and they’re all ready to start.
“It’s about when we give him the opportunity, but certainly with Roddy having missed so much football, we’re just going to have to be really diligent in making sure we get him up to speed in all aspects of the game.
“He’s working hard at training and that’s a starting point. I’m sure he’ll get more opportunities to contribute over the coming weeks.”
Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Tottenham News:
“I think Bentancur makes that side better,” he said when asked if Bentancur should slot into the starting line-up.
“As well as [Pape Matar] Sarr has done, as well as [Yves] Bissouma has done, as well as [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg has done when he’s played, I think Bentancur comes in.
“I think we forget his quality, and he’s going to be like a new signing when he comes back.
“I think squad depth for the manager will be something that he addresses. But they’re the best team in the Premier League at the moment – highest points, sitting at the top of the league, it’s hard to pick faults.”
Robinson, who spent four seasons as Tottenham’s first-choice keeper, added of his former side’s current form: “I don’t think there is any pressure; I don’t think there’s any expectation, because you see where they were at the start of the season.
“It’s just a great bandwagon to be on; a good ride at the moment. The way that they’re playing, the results that they’re getting, they seem to be carefree, playing an attacking style of football and everyone sees what they’re doing there. There just seems to be a good vibe about the place at the moment.”
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou has shared what the club’s approach will be to the January transfer window.