New Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed an 8/10 rating for his display on Tuesday night by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais. He scored, as Uruguay beat Venezuela 4-1 in World Cup qualifying.
Bentancur, 24, has endured a busy few days. On deadline day, he was confirmed as Tottenham’s latest permanent signing – joining Spurs for a fee of £20million. Dejan Kulusevski has joined the club on a loan-to-buy deal.
Then, a day later, Bentancur was starting for Uruguay in midfield against Venezuela. His country are fighting hard to avoid losing the fourth automatic spot for World Cup qualification, sitting a point above fifth.
The win over Venezuela on Tuesday night was crucial. Indeed, Bentancur got Uruguay off to a perfect start – lashing home an effort from the edge of the area on 50 seconds. He lasted 74 minutes before coming off.
“Great goal. The rest of the game, he played the ball judiciously, kept order. He was the balance of the team, and showed perfectly he can anchor the team without [Matias] Vecino and [Lucas] Torreira.
“At times, he went out to break a little more, and Valverde supported him. They make a very interesting duo in the middle,” El Pais reported in a player ratings piece, before handing Bentancur an 8/10 for his display.
Bentancur gets an 8: Tottenham star’s display will have fans excited
But it must be remembered that Uruguay were playing against a side they were widely expected to beat. However, Bentancur was superb in the middle of the park – he looks the ideal Antonio Conte-type midfielder.
Astonishingly for a player that only turns 25 in June, that was Bentancur’s 47th cap for his country. He is well on his way to surpassing 100. On Tuesday night’s showing, he will be just as crucial to Tottenham, too.
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