Antonio Conte has asked just two things of top choice midfielder signing Rodrigo Bentancur since his arrival at Tottenham in January.
The 24-year-old three-time Serie A winner has swiftly become a key figure in the Spurs midfield since joining from Juventus on deadline day for just £15.8million, payable within three financial years, with up to £5million more on top if specific 'performance objectives' are met during his time with the north London club.
Bentancur's composure on the ball and his ability in transitions to quickly get Spurs on the attack have been crucial to an upturn in form for the club which has propelled them up the table and taken them into the top four. Conte has been impressed with the quick adaptation of the Uruguay international to the Premier League and his new team. On Saturday afternoon, Spurs travel to Aston Villa, another team that were interested in signing Bentancur in January.
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"For sure Rodrigo adapted very well in a short period. He started to work with us and for sure it was a good sign for us. I’m very happy," said Conte. "I don't know, honestly, if Aston Villa wanted to sign him in January. We had targets and Rodrigo for sure was one of these targets. As a midfielder, he was the first target.
"We are happy about his performance and for sure for him it was easy to come into a team with a specific system, with a clear idea. He’s playing very well. I’m very happy because also Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with him, and also Winksy, are showing a great link together to play as midfielders.
"It means it was a good signing for us, but for sure, he is only 24-years-old, he’s very young and he has space for improvement. I asked him to continue to work hard and to improve because he can go also to improve himself and to increase his level."
