Ian Wright says Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr need to do more amid the ‘unfortunate’ injury to Rodrigo Bentancur.
The former Premier League striker thinks that’s a problem area for Antonio Conte because his midfield players are ‘never’ in control of the game, and instead, they are relying on counter-attacks and a Harry Kane goal.
Over the weekend, with Bentancur out for the long-term after the £22 million star’s (Sky Sports) long-term injury in February, it’s the experienced Hojbjerg starting in the middle of the park with academy product, Skipp.
Conte has always preferred playing a two-man midfield, but on occasions this season, he has played that extra man, such as their 1-0 win at Brighton when Hojbjerg, Yves Bissouma and Bentancur played in the middle of the park.
That’s probably been a bugbear for the Spurs supporters that Conte doesn’t change it up and allow his midfield players to breathe more.
The Italian has been accused of being too defensive in his starting XIs, including on occasions playing eight defensive-minded players, but it’s what he has done throughout his career, with Wright speaking about the midfield, as he told Premier League Productions (13/03/23 at 2:35 pm).
“They need to do something about their midfield and try to control games,” said Wright. “Instead of counter-attacking and then hoping something falls to Harry Kane and he finishes it.
“You watch Tottenham and they aren’t in control of their midfield, at all. They are never in control. They are trying to win it back and break on teams.
“As soon as they can get those players in, whether Conte is going to be there or not, it’s unfortunate with Bentancur.
“But as soon as they get those players in, and they can control the tempo of a game and build up slowly, then you are able to get people like Son into the game and then you will get Richarlison into the game, and Harry Kane will continue to score. I just don’t think they have the right personnel in midfield.”
TOTTENHAM MISSING ERIKSEN
During the January transfer window of 2020, Eriksen departed Hotspur Way and, ironically enough, joined Conte and Inter Milan where they would win the Serie A title.
But fast forward to the present, and with Conte now in the Spurs dugout, the north London club seriously miss a player of Eriksen’s ilk.
That midfield area is one that needs serious investment in the summer, with or without Conte, because before Bentancur’s injury that playmaker was needed, and now that the Uruguay international could miss most of 2023, then not only do they need to replace his box-to-box qualities, but also get that creative player on board.
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