Spurs midfielder helps Uruguay to third place

Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur played a pivotal role in Uruguay securing a third-place finish at this summer's Copa America in the United States of America.

Despite doubts over whether or not he would play after having to go off in the draw against Colombia, Bentancur was named in the starting XI against Canada in North Carolina on Saturday night.

He played the entire 90 minutes, opening the scoring 8 minutes in after a clever finish from close range. Despite their North American opponents then scoring two goals, a goal from the veteran Luis Suarez in injury time secured the chance of a medal via a penalty-shootout.

For a second time this tournament, Uruguay won a penalty shootout and for a second time Bentancur played his part by converting his penalty. Alphonso Davies chipped his penalty onto the bar to secure a 4-3 win for La Celeste as they won the shootout with a penalty to spare.

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Spurs midfielder helps Uruguay to third place

With this goal adding to his goal against Bolivia in the group stages, Spurs' number 30 ended up with 2 goals throughout the Copa America, despite only starting 2 games. Coupled with two successful penalty shootout goals the Spurs midfielder can be happy with his efforts this summer.

Bentancur had only scored once in his first 59 appearances while playing for his country, so 2 goals in 6 games is a good sign of him adding more to his game. 65 appearances at 27 with the injuries he's had is a solid effort, too, and shows how important he has been over the years for Uruguay, despite not getting too many starts this time round.

It's time for Rodrigo to rest up, recharge the batteries, and get ready to go again for a big year next season. A fit and at his best Rodrigo Bentancur makes Spurs a much better team and would greatly improve their chances of another year of progression in the 24/25 season.