After Djed Spence, Thomas Frank must give a contract to ‘outstanding’ Tottenham player
Thomas Frank must permit another player to put pen to paper at Tottenham before the summer ends.
Djed Spence is the latest Tottenham player to sign a contract, rewarding his recent stellar form under Frank.
The Englishman has bridged barriers to become an important player for the Lilywhites. Despite a lacklustre showing against Burnley, Spence has proven more than capable of filling in for Destiny Udoge when injured.
But Spurs should not stop with Spence, for there is another player whose performances are worthy of recognition.
Rodrigo Bentancur must extend at Tottenham
The arrival of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich on loan was set to push Bentancur out of Tottenham.
However, Frank has since formed a promising partnership between the two midfielders. Both started for Spurs against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final and dominated for most of the game.
But the Uruguayan is still edging towards a departure from Spurs this summer. Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbache have expressed an interest in Bentancur and are expected to return with an updated offer.
- Tottenham signed Bentancur from Juventus in 2022
- Bentancur’s contract runs out in June 2026
However, after an impressive showing under Frank so far, the Lilywhites cannot afford to let Bentancur leave so soon. With one year left on his contract, the midfielder will be able to negotiate a free transfer with clubs six months before his deal ends.
Speaking about Bentancur via quotes from TNT Sports in November 2024, former boss Postecoglou said of Bentancur: “The one thing that’s undeniable to me, because I know him, is he’s an outstanding person. He’s an unbelievable team-mate.”
It is clear the Uruguayan international is in Frank’s plans. Now that Spence’s contract is sealed, there is no doubt that Bentancur should be next on Tottenham’s list.
How will Bentancur fit into Frank’s system?
Frank is known for switching formations depending on the opposition. Against PSG, he used a 5-3-2 while Burnley saw a more traditional 4-3-3 lineup.
Throughout the summer, Bentancur has been used in a defensive double pivot. While his defensive role is not expected to change, how and who he is partnered with could if Eberechi Eze is signed.
There is no doubt that Eze will start for Frank alongside Pape Matar Sarr, which could force Bentancur into a lone 6 role. While he is defensively strong, having to shield the backline alone could see his form decline.
But that remains to be seen. For now, Spurs should accelerate on a new deal for him before it’s too late.
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