Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou simply must start ‘outstanding’ Rodrigo Bentancur v Newcastle
Ange Postecoglou must recall Rodrigo Bentancur to his starting lineup for the Tottenham game against Newcastle United on Saturday (13 April).
The Uruguayan international came off the bench to replace Pape Matar Sarr at half-time against Nottingham Forest on 7 April to help his side pick up a 3-1 victory.
There is every chance that the 26-year-old’s all-action performance could be enough to see him thrown back into the lineup for the trip to St James’ Park.
It’s been a mixed season for the midfielder, who Postecoglou previously called “outstanding”, after he’s struggled with injuries at different points.
He missed the first few months of the campaign after tearing his cruciate ligaments last season before then suffering torn ankle ligaments in December just weeks after his return to action.
That has largely stalled his progress on the back of what was an impressive opening 12 months or so in a Spurs shirt following his move from Juventus in 2022.
But he has still shown glimpses of his quality this year despite managing to start just eight of his 16 appearances.
Bentancur has averaged 42.3 touches, 0.5 key passes and recorded a pass success rate of 85 per cent per game this season [SofaScore].
His box-to-box style of play has also allowed him to chalk up decent defensive numbers, having made 0.9 tackles, 0.8 clearances and 2.2 ball recoveries per outing.
He would, however, no doubt like to carry more of a goal threat after registering just one goal and one assist since Postecoglou took over last summer.
The impact he had off the bench in midfield alongside fellow substitute Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg against Forest could be enough to tempt the Tottenham boss into starting him at Newcastle.
The Uruguayan had 40 touches of the ball, made one key pass and completed 50 per cent of his dribbles as he helped his side pick up the three points after coming on when the scoreline was level at 1-1.
There isn’t too much of a defence you can put forward for Sarr or Yves Bissouma to maintain their places ahead of him after they were both replaced during the interval against Forest.
There are very few people who would argue that the Spurs midfield isn’t better off with a fit and firing Bentancur in it, which is why Postecoglou must help him get back to his best as quickly as possible.
That is likely to only come with more game time, meaning he has to be starting games on a regular basis.
Why shouldn’t that trend begin against Newcastle? It’s time to bring him back in, Ange.
In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy will be breathing a sigh of relief after a PSR development has emerged.
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