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Fansided

Tottenham Hotspur players ratings in listless draw at Brentford

By Aaron Coe

(Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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Brentford's Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (2R) vies with Tottenham Hotspur's Brazilian defender Emerson Royal (C) during the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur at Brentford Community Stadium in London on April 23, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Brentford’s Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (2R) vies with Tottenham Hotspur’s Brazilian defender Emerson Royal (C) during the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur at Brentford Community Stadium in London on April 23, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Rating Spurs Midfield

The one area of Spurs team that saw a change from the previous XI was at left wing-back, where Ryan Sessegnon came into the side for Sergio Reguilon. Ultimately, the issues across Spurs’ midfield are more significant than the wingbacks right now.

Left Wing-back – Ryan Sessegnon – 5

Finally back from another injury, Sessegnon had some chances to provide some service but could not find the quality Spurs needed. Whether it was a long cross or a short cross, Sessegnon struggled to find a target. Sess did have a couple of solid defensive moments as he hustled back to get goalside.

Central-Midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur – 5

The dominant field general during Tottenham’s winning streak seems to have disappeared as Bentancur’s influence has waned. Rodrigo was pressing is evident in his three shot attempts, none of which were close to the goal. He and Pierre Hojbjerg have not provided Kane with enough support over the last two weeks, and Tottenham has dropped points as a result.

Central-Midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg – 5

Statistically, Hojbjerg had a strong match, with the most touches and the highest passing percentage for Tottenham. Add in a couple of crucial tackles, and it appears to be a strong performance. However, when you see Hojbjerg receive the ball 25-30 yards away from goal with four players in front of him and the ball continues to go sideways, there is little doubt why his percentage is so high. If Bentancur cannot provide the incisive passing, Hojbjerg has to step up, and today he did not.

Right Wing-back – Emerson Royal – 4

Again starting with Matt Doherty out, we were reminded of Emerson Royal’s ineffectiveness as a wing-back. Always present defensively, his contribution to the offense was negligible. Royal’s lack of confidence with the ball is not lost on his teammates, who only pass his way when they must. It is not Royal’s fault there are holes in the middle of the pitch, but his lack of contribution does not help.