Rodrigo Bentancur’s ability to drive Tottenham forward from midfield makes him a rare talent in today’s game, according to Gus Poyet.
The former Spurs star, who himself was a dab hand in carrying the ball from deep, has explained what makes the January signing from Juventus a key asset in Antonio Conte’s side.
Now the manager of the Greek national team, Poyet revealed that he even tried to sign Bentancur earlier in his career.
“For you all to understand, when he was 19, 20 [years old], Rodrigo was at Boca Juniors,” he told the club website.
“I watched him when I was at Real Betis [in 2016] and I wanted to take him. I asked, but he wasn’t able to go. So, I had him on my radar five or six years ago.
“Two things are important here. One, he didn’t want to be comfortable in Uruguay, and took a risk, crossing the river from Uruguay to join Boca Juniors. Two, as soon as he got into Juventus, his understanding of fitness and what he needed to improve... he went to another level.
“There was a moment when people didn’t know if he was going to play, and yet we saw this Juventus team and he was always in it - with every manager.
“He has the commitment, the technical ability, he understands the game. I’m so impressed with him, especially how he drives with the ball. He’s confident, he will get the ball and run metres with it.
“That’s something that we've lost in football because everyone wants to play two touches, positional, control and pass. He gets the ball, and he will drive with the ball.”
Poyet described his pleasure at fellow Uruguayan export Bentancur making his mark on the English game.
“I’m pleased, as well, to see a Uruguayan in the Premier League,” he continued. “That’s nice for us. His caps are unbelievable, at 24. I got 30 in my whole career!
“Think now, at 24, he will be at the top of his game, experienced enough, but still young. The next couple of years are going to be amazing for him, and for Tottenham.”
