Clinton Morrison has told BBC Live’s coverage of Tottenham beating Newcastle 5-1 that Rodrigo Bentancur is the player Spurs have missed. The ex-Premier League striker has one criticism – his decision to wear gloves.
Spurs cruised past Newcastle and climbed into fourth place, at least until Monday night, with a stunning victory. That is, even after Fabian Schar gave the Toon the lead. Spurs boasted five different scorers come full-time.
Ben Davies, Matt Doherty, Son Heung-min, Emerson Royal and Steven Bergwijn all found the back of the net. Harry Kane was given man of the match without even scoring – but Spurs were excellent all over the pitch.
Indeed, 24-year-old Bentancur kept up his superb form since joining Spurs from Juventus in January. Only his tenth Spurs outing, Bentancur looks as if he has been at Tottenham for years – and Morrison was full of praise.
“Bentancur keeps it nice and simple. He doesn’t try anything extravagant. He keeps it ticking over, that’s what Spurs have missed in midfield. He doesn’t need the gloves, but if you play well you can wear what you want.”
Morrison on Bentancur: Tottenham star already pivotal to Conte system
When Conte brought in Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, but lost four players in Bryan Gil, Dele Alli, Tanguy Ndombele and Gio Lo Celso, the Italian boss was not happy. But Spurs have dramatically improved.
Cristian Romero is back from injury – like a new signing. Doherty is on fire – like a new signing. Bentancur and Kulusevski have been superb, hitting the ground running. Without Bentancur, Spurs struggle.
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