Rodrigo Bentancur
SpursCM
Box-to-Box
Jun 25, 1997 (28)
Right
6'2"
159 lb
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Minimal impact
Bentancur registered one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: In a game where Uruguay fully controlled possession and the scoring chances, Bentancur didn't offer much as a playmaker and had limited fantasy impact. The Spurs midfielder is likely to remain in the XI when Uruguay take on Cape Verde on Sunday, but his deep-lying role in midfield limits his upside considerably.
Set to anchor midfield
Bentancur has been named in Uruguay's World Cup squad and is expected to start in midfield under coach Marcelo Bielsa, arriving at the tournament after a disrupted season with Tottenham that nonetheless ended on a positive note with Premier League survival.
Analysis: Bentancur contributed one goal and one assist alongside 56 tackles and 35 interceptions across 26 Premier League appearances this season, delivering a consistent defensive midfield presence when available despite the injury absences that interrupted his campaign. His ability to win the ball, protect the backline and distribute intelligently from deep gives Uruguay a technically sound and physically capable option in the center of the park, and his partnership with Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte gives manager Marcelo Bielsa one of the more experienced and battle-hardened midfield units in the tournament. His form and fitness heading into the competition will be closely monitored given his recent injury history, but a fully fit Bentancur is one of the more reliable defensive midfield options available to any team at the World Cup this summer.
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