Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou must drop Rodrigo Bentancur v Arsenal
Ange Postecoglou must drop Rodrigo Bentancur from the Tottenham starting line-up ahead of their North London derby clash against Arsenal.
Bentancur started in the 4-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park and produced a poor display, failing to win any of his four aerial duels, and losing out in eight of his 13 duels overall before being hauled off as part of a triple change before the hour mark [FotMob].
Instead, Pape Matar Sarr should be handed a start alongside Yves Bissouma in the double pivot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham benefit more from Pape Matar Sarr’s presence than Rodrigo Bentancur’s
Bentancur, 26, is five years Sarr’s senior – but it is the younger man whose impact has been more noticeable this season.
That is, in part, down to his injury issues this term, which have restricted him to just 726 minutes of Premier League football across 17 appearances this season [Transfermarkt].
However, that is also part of the argument against starting him in a game of such magnitude, after suffering two significant injuries, it is difficult to argue that we are seeing the very best version of Bentancur.
The Uruguayan has – per 90 in the Premier League this season – won just 42.6 per cent of his duels, 58.8 per cent of his tackles, made only 4.57 recoveries, won possession in the final third just 0.25 times, been dispossessed 1.61 times and dribbled past 1.61 times on average [FotMob].
For the avoidance of doubt, these are not impressive numbers but are evidence of a player who can, at times, find himself bypassed entirely by opponents with relative ease.
Sarr, on the other hand, has won 72.4 per cent of his tackles, makes 6.55 recoveries and wins possession in the final third 1.24 times [FotMob] – marked increases on his counterpart’s numbers and evidence of a player whose combative nature out of possession will likely come in useful in what will surely be a fiery North London derby.
This is certainly one change that Big Ange should be looking to make.
In other Tottenham news, a new Champions League blow is on the cards after what Paul Merson said.
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