On Alert: Alasdair Gold warns Rodrigo Bentancur is at risk of further bad news at Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League journey is facing challenges as manager Ange Postecoglou struggles to find consistency for his team. A pattern of alternating wins and losses has left Spurs without a stable footing, exemplified by their recent defeat to Ipswich Town.
In a weekend fixture, Tottenham rotated their lineup following a midweek clash against Galatasaray, ultimately leading to an unexpected loss. Although Rodrigo Bentancur scored to reduce the deficit, Spurs failed to secure any points from the game.
Amid these struggles, Bentancur may be facing additional setbacks. While Postecoglou has praised the 27-year-old’s recent performances, the midfielder is currently under investigation by the FA for an off-field issue that occurred during the summer.
Additionally, with four yellow cards this season, Bentancur is one card away from facing a suspension that would add to Tottenham’s woes. Commentator Alasdair Gold pointed out that Tottenham’s best course of action may be to rotate Bentancur between Premier League and Europa League matches, potentially mitigating the impact of a domestic ban.
Bentancur’s possible absence could put considerable strain on Tottenham’s midfield options. David Pleat has recognized Bentancur’s recent adaptation to a more defensive role, but should he become unavailable, Postecoglou will likely need to rely more heavily on Yves Bissouma as the holding midfielder.
However, Bissouma has yet to fully meet Postecoglou’s expectations and has been cautioned by the manager for underwhelming performances. As an interim solution, Bissouma might be the preferred choice, but Tottenham’s midfield depth remains a pressing concern.
Recent reports from TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey suggest that Tottenham is eyeing Johnny Cardoso, with a deal in place for the midfielder to join from Real Betis next summer.
Given Bentancur’s uncertain availability, Spurs may benefit from accelerating this transfer to January, potentially alleviating the pressure on their midfield lineup.
Comparison of Key Midfield Metrics (Per 90 Minutes)
| Metric | Yves Bissouma | Johnny Cardoso |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 2.67 | 2.86 |
| Interceptions | 1.11 | 2.22 |
| Clearances | 2.89 | 3.65 |
| Successful Take-ons (%) | 45.5% | 62.5% |
| Aerial Duels Won (%) | 50% | 55.6% |
This comparison highlights that Cardoso may bring greater defensive resilience and effectiveness to Tottenham’s midfield. With a higher rate of successful take-ons and aerial duels, Cardoso could be a valuable asset, especially if Bentancur’s suspension risk materializes.
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