Tim Sherwood has told The Analysis Show that Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was “bang average” against Manchester City. The Uruguayan was branded “fantastic” by Antonio Conte on Tuesday.
Bentancur, 24, lasted the entire 90 minutes for the second game on the trot as Tottenham reignited their top-four hopes with a stunning win over Pep Guardiola’s side. Harry Kane’s late header secured all three points.
The Uruguay international was crucial alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park, nullifying the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva. It was pivotal to Tottenham getting the win.
Conte branded both Hojbjerg and Bentancur “fantastic” in Tuesday’s press conference. But Sherwood disagrees, criticising January recruit Bentancur for his display – saying he needs time to adapt to Premier League football.
“I thought he was bang average, Bentancur. I didn’t think he had a good game at all. But he done a job, he worked hard, he is still getting used to the Premier League,” Sherwood said on The Analysis Show.
Sherwood on Bentancur: Criticism of Tottenham star harsh?
Without a doubt. Every Tottenham player played well, even Hugo Lloris after his mistake for Manchester City’s first goal – then denying Gundogan with an incredible one-handed stretch that left him needing treatment.
Ryan Sessegnon produced his best performance in a Spurs shirt, as did Dejan Kulusevski. Emerson Royal has been criticised, but was improved. Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies were nearly perfect.
Bentancur was not an exception. His work rate, his turn on the ball and ability to start the counter, was sensational. Sherwood is renowned for his big claims but he has got this one wrong.
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