Gus Poyet has praised Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Arsenal transfer target Federico Valverde as players that are ‘outstanding on the ball’, as he told Stadium Astro.
The former Tottenham midfielder thinks the duo have changed the dynamics and history of Uruguay’s DNA because his nation now have midfielders that they can play through.
Previously, he thinks it was just a case of defending well and then proceeding to recycle the ball up front for the litany of attackers the South American giants have had over the years.
Despite Uruguay’s early World Cup exit in Qatar, there are still some strong players coming through the nation’s ranks, no more so than Real Madrid’s rising star Valverde, who is also a transfer target of Premier League table-toppers Arsenal.
Then there is someone like Bentancur, who since leaving Juventus last January where he was surplus to requirements, he has taken the Premier League by storm and has possibly been Antonio Conte’s best player this season.
Both players were praised by their fellow countryman, as Poyet shared what they provide to the team.
“I hope that the (Uruguay) coach stays,” said Poyet. “The new generation of players that are coming. They are unbelievable. I am telling you.
“Valverde and Bentencur in the midfield. It’s another way of playing football as well. In Uruguay we were always solid and then give to the front players – now we have midfielders that are outstanding on the ball.
“We need to pass the ball through midfield now. It’s a change of philosophy and a way of playing. Without losing the Uruguayan passion. But we need to play. That’s why they are there.
“That’s why Valverde is at Real Madrid and Bentencur is doing ever so well at Tottenham. We need to rely on their game as well.”
URUGUAY UNDERACHIEVE AT WORLD CUP
Yes, someone like Luis Suarez is no longer at the peak of his powers, but Uruguay should be disappointed at their performance in Qatar, where they just lacked that belief and attacking intent during their group stage exit.
In Bentancur and Valverde, these two are perhaps some of the underrated midfielders in Europe and they have been showcasing that on the Champions League stage.
Whilst it wasn’t displayed on football’s biggest stage, normal service should resume with Spurs trying to fight for Champions League football and Real Madrid trying to dominate Europe again.
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