Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been told that he ‘has to give more’ following his side’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to ensure the Red Devils came out on top in the latest battle for the top four, as Spurs once again struggled to put a good run of form together.
Bentancur was partnered with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a midfield two for the second game running, yet failed to produce the type of performance that was needed to help his side get something from the game.
And following Spurs’ dominant 5-0 victory over Everton last Monday, much more was expected from the north London club.
But former Spurs defender Michael Dawson was critical of the £20m January transfer window signing from Juventus, as he called out for Bentancur to show more creativity in the middle of the park.
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Speaking to Sky Sports following the game at Old Trafford, Dawson said: “Bentancur, there’s got to be more creativity. You’re playing with two holding midfielders, especially if it’s Hojbjerg, they’ve got to create more.
"Bentancur, he has to give more into the team going forward, he can’t just be so safe.”
Since arriving on deadline day along with fellow Juventus teammate Dejan Kulusevski - who has joined on a loan deal - Bentancur has made six Premier League appearances for Spurs.
The Uruguay international clearly has talent and although he hasn’t hit the ground running quite as well as Kulusevski, he is still highly regarded by Conte and has been praised for his performances whenever he has had the chance to shine.
But Dawson was quick to point out an underwhelming display by the 24-year-old at Old Trafford and felt as though he didn’t show the qualities he clearly possesses.
While Bentancur may have had a relatively slow start to the game, he managed to find his feet by the end of the second half but was overshadowed by his midfield partner.
Hojbjerg appeared to be the more creative of the two as he set about providing plenty of service to Spurs’ two deadliest players in the form of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.
Bentancur was eventually substituted with a few minutes left on the clock for Harry Winks, although he also failed to make the required impact.
However, Conte looks to have found his preferred midfield pairing of Bentancur and Hojbjerg and the Uruguayan will most likely continue to keep his place in the starting lineup.
The former Juventus man’s qualities will be key if Spurs are to have any chance of achieving a top four finish and he will have the opportunity to put in an impressive performance within a matter of days when his side travel to face Brighton on Wednesday.
