While it has been disappointing to see the best players of Igor Tudor's tenure and Tottenham Hotspur's most impressive prospect, Archie Gray, relegated to the sidelines lately under Roberto De Zerbi, it is hard to argue against Rodrigo Bentancur as the main deep lying midfielder to build play up when he has been playing as well as he is for the Italian manager.
The former Serie A midfielder has been so much better over the last few games under De Zerbi than he was at the beginning of the season under Thomas Frank, and he looks like the resurgent, quality all around midfielder that he was when he first joined Spurs from Juventus.
Tottenham have been needing experience and veteran leadership, as well as some tact and all around quality in the middle of the park. Bentancur has stepped up to deliver what Tottenham were missing, and while it would be ideal to see Bentancur and Gray together, which could happen if Spurs kick around a 4-4-2 formation after the Xavi Simons injury, there is something to be said about experience.
Rodrigo Bentancur is the veteran presence needed
Roberto De Zerbi definitely seems to subscribe to the belief that Tottenham Hotspur need to lean on veteran players to survive relegation from the Premier League, particularly when it comes to solidity in midfield. He has opted for Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma, and Rodrigo Bentancur to all start together, eschewing the more talented and promising duo of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
Bentancur has been most central to the success since returning from his torn hamstring. Of the three of Gallagher, Bissouma, and Benta, the Uruguayan has the best touch, passing ability, and overall progression, and he has finally started to play with a little bit of bravery, which was an issue for him both this season and even in the past before Juventus gave up on him.
There is no mistaking Bentancur for being a world class midfielder, but he is a good player when he is in the mood. And it seems like he has the confidence of De Zerbi, and he is feeling his game more than he did under Thomas Frank, who seemed to have reverted everyone to playing like cowards.
Tottenham are in this relegation fight because they lacked consistency in the middle of the field, especially in terms of positional discipline on both sides of the ball. Already, Tottenham are picking up results under De Zerbi because they are more in control in the middle of the park, and Bentancur has quietly been a big reason for that.
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