Juventus boss Max Allegri made a big mistake letting Tottenham Hotspur take Rodrigo Bentancur and the ‘sensational’ Dejan Kulusevski to the Premier League, former Italy ace Antonio Cassanio says on Twitch.
Remember, nine years ago, when a Spurs side chasing a Champions League place ‘reinforced’ their ranks by signing 34-year-old Louis Saha and 33-year-old Ryan Nelson in January?
If that window was the definition of ‘underwhelming’, then how do we define the one that saw an inconsistent, out-of-sorts Tottenham bring Kulusevski and Bentancur to North London?
Inspired, perhaps. A stroke of genius, maybe?
However you want to describe it, Kulusevski and Bentancur have made an extraordinary impact under Antonio Conte.
The former has dominated the headlines – that’ll happen when you produce nine goals and assists in just 11 Premier League games – but do not downplay Bentancur’s contribution.
Guile and graft, tenacity and technique, the Uruguay international is arguably Spurs’ most complete central midfielder since the heady days of Moussa Dembele.
Will Tottenham qualify for the Champions League?
“The genius (Allegri) sent Kulusevski and Bentancur away, who are fourth in the standings at Tottenham,” sighs Cassano, his use of the word ‘genius’ dripping with sarcasm.
“Both (are doing) very well. Dejan is sensational; Assists and goals. Conte then manages to squeeze his players and make them perform at their best. He has always done so. Last year at Inter and today at Spurs.”
With both Manchester United and Arsenal suffering oh-so avoidable defeats at the hands of Everton and Brighton, Tottenham have their Champions League destiny in their own hands, especially after hammering Aston Villa 4-0 away from home on Saturday evening.
Spurs have now won seven of their last nine Premier League matches, scoring a highly impressive 28 goals along the way.
Bentancur already looks a bargain at £20 million. Tottenham can also turn Kulusevski’s loan deal into a permanent transfer to the tune of around £30 million (Guardian).
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