Gold: Tottenham star plays better with Bentancur, Conte ‘really likes’ his new signing

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Alasdair Gold has told his Tottenham podcast that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg plays a whole lot better when Rodrigo Bentancur is alongside him in midfield. Antonio Conte is said to ‘really like’ his new signing in Bentancur.

The Uruguay midfielder, 24, started on Monday night against Everton and lasted the entire 90 minutes despite it being his first game back after an injury that kept him out of the games against Leeds and Middlesbrough.

Indeed, Harry Winks was poor against Boro and the return of Bentancur was certainly an improvement. His ability to quickly transition Spurs from midfield to attack and get his side on the front foot has been eye-catching.

Speaking about Bentancur, Gold said Conte “really likes” his new signing. He claims that Hojbjerg is a better player with the Uruguayan alongside him – suggesting that Hojbjerg plays with more freedom, instead of with Winks.

“He understands what Conte wants, Conte really likes him. He has played less minutes because of the injury but he has been really good,” Football London reporter Gold claimed on his YouTube channel.

“I don’t want to dig out Winks, but Hojbjerg plays better when he is alongside Bentancur – whether it is that he unlocks something in him, he doesn’t have to do tasks, he looks more comfortable with Bentancur. “

Gold on Bentancur: January window actually has improved Tottenham

When Conte spoke of his frustration and surprise at Tottenham allowing four players to go – only for Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski to come in, many were worried that Spurs had not done enough in January.

But a month on, Kulusevski has been incredible on the right. He has already ushered Lucas Moura aside and at 21, he is producing performances many expect from a player much older. Bentancur has given Spurs an assurancy.

Spurs lacked that progressive midfielder that Conte relies upon. But his ability to turn players in midfield is second to none and at £20million, he is a bargain. The two stars from Juventus have enormously improved Spurs.