Ange could unleash his next Bentancur from Spurs academy teen who’s stepping up
Tottenham Hotspur might have hoped for a more promising start to the 2024/25 season, given their ambition to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the Premier League.
However, the campaign opened with a mixed bag of results, including a draw against Leicester City, a resounding 4-0 victory over Everton, and a narrow 2-1 loss to Newcastle United.
While these outcomes reflect some of the early challenges, the inconsistency also highlights deeper issues within the squad, notably the ongoing struggle with player availability due to injuries.
One of the most pressing concerns for manager Ange Postecoglou has been the frequent absence of key players, such as Rodrigo Bentancur, who has struggled with fitness since joining the club.
Bentancur’s history of injuries has been a significant hurdle for Spurs, limiting his availability and, consequently, his impact on the pitch.
Bentancur’s journey at Tottenham began with much promise when he transferred from Juventus in January 2022.
His dynamic playing style and ability to contribute to both defense and attack made him a valuable asset. In his time at the club, Bentancur has managed to score seven goals and provide seven assists across 71 appearances in all competitions.
Despite these contributions, his persistent injuries have kept him sidelined for extended periods, missing a staggering 52 matches since his arrival. This inconsistency has raised concerns about his long-term reliability as a central figure in Tottenham’s midfield.
The table below highlights Bentancur’s performance during the 2023/24 Premier League season:
2023/24 Premier League | Rodrigo Bentancur |
---|---|
Appearances | 23 |
Starts | 13 |
Goals | 1 |
Assists | 1 |
Pass accuracy | 86% |
These statistics underscore the difficulties Bentancur faced last season, with injuries significantly limiting his game time and overall effectiveness.
His inability to maintain fitness has made it challenging for Postecoglou to rely on him consistently, leading to discussions about the need for a long-term replacement.
One potential solution could lie within Tottenham’s own ranks, in the form of academy starlet Tyrese Hall. The 19-year-old midfielder has been a standout performer in the youth setup, earning praise for his contributions at both the U18 and U21 levels.
Hall’s record at the U18 level, where he scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances, earned him a promotion to the U21 side last season.
Since then, he has continued to impress, notching four goals and three assists in 18 outings for the U21s, including two goals in three Premier League 2 matches this season.
Hall’s rise has not gone unnoticed, with U23 scout Antonio Mango describing him as a “top” talent who has been “stepping up” in 2024.
His ability to make an impact in the final third, both as a goal scorer and creator, mirrors the qualities Bentancur brings to the table when fit.
A recent highlight of Hall’s development was his two-goal performance against Chelsea, where he showcased his ability to strike from distance and create space for himself.
Hall’s dynamic style of play and his consistent improvement suggest that he could potentially fill the void left by Bentancur’s recurring injuries.
His youth and fitness could provide Postecoglou with a more reliable option in midfield, one that combines the attacking prowess needed in the final third with the energy and enthusiasm typical of a rising star.
As Hall continues to develop, he may well become Tottenham’s next key midfielder, offering the team a fresh alternative to the injury-prone Bentancur.
In conclusion, while Tottenham’s start to the 2024/25 season has been mixed, there are reasons for optimism. Bentancur’s ongoing injury woes highlight the need for a dependable alternative in midfield, and Tyrese Hall’s potential makes him a strong candidate to step into that role.
If he continues his upward trajectory, Hall could prove to be a vital asset for Spurs, helping them overcome the challenges posed by Bentancur’s fitness issues and solidifying their position in the upper reaches of the Premier League table.
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