Marcelo Bielsa backs 'special' Rodrigo Bentancur to play anywhere amid Tottenham injury problem

Midfielder working his way back up to full fitness after serious knee injury
Praised: Bielsa believes Tottenham have a 'special case' in Bentancur
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Jonathan Gorrie22 November 2023

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur could play anywhere on the pitch, says Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa.

The 26-year-old has returned from a long-term knee injury and featured in his country’s wins against Argentina and Bolivia during the international break.

Bentancur established himself as one of the key players at Spurs prior to his injury and his availability will be a welcome boost to Ange Postecoglou.

While Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison have combined well this season, the options behind them are somewhat light.

With Maddison not expected to play again until the New Year as a result of an ankle injury sustained against Chelsea, plenty of the creative onus with fall on Bentancur’s shoulders over the next few weeks.

Postecoglou has vowed to ease the former Juventus midfielder back into regular action after such a long time out on the sidelines but with Maddison injured and Sarr and Bissouma both bound for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, the need for him will soon become more pressing.

Returning hero: Bentancur is back from injury at a crucial time for Spurs
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Though a No.6 by trade, Bielsa believes the midfielder could occupy any position on the pitch.

“He is a player that it is difficult to find an area of the midfield that he is not in a position to assume,” he said.

“There are not many players who defend like a holding midfielder, who attack and defend like an interior, like a number 8, like a mixed midfielder, and that when they reach the rival area he has the resources, the qualities of an offensive midfielder.

“It is a very special case within football in general. A player who in himself meets the conditions for all places on the field. Today he stood out clearly.”

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