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Three positives from Tottenham’s 3-2 loss to Saints

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 9, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 9, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

2. Another excellent Rodrigo Bentancur cameo

I’ll be absolutely crestfallen if Rodrigo Bentancur doesn’t start for Sunday’s encounter against Wolves. If he doesn’t start on Sunday it would be like casting Matthew McConaughey a three-minute, bit-part role in a Netflix film. Yes, I truly believe in McConaughey’s rare and unparalleled talent.

His second cameo appearance — first in the Premier League — was just as good as his first against Brighton in the FA Cup.

He had a shot attempt, one dribble, a tackle, an interception, a cross and two wonderfully precise long balls, the first of which right after his introduction. He also showed composure and confidence in possession.

The Uruguayan also had 31 touches in as many minutes, a touch per minute ratio. He enjoyed an even better touch rate in his first cameo, albeit in a shorter duration.

Compare that to Harry Winks‘ 64 touches in 90 minutes and Hojbjerg’s 43 touches in 59 minutes and you can see why the newcomer must start on Sunday. In defence of the starting pair, it is easier to get on the ball more as a fresh substitute, but it’s clear, taking his entire collection of impressive contributions in two substitute appearances into consideration, that Bentancur has earned a start.

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