Tottenham Hotspur delivered the perfect response to their disappointing defeat against Chelsea by producing a dominant and vibrant performance in the Champions League.
Their 4-0 victory over FC Copenhagen was not just about getting back to winning ways but also about rediscovering their rhythm and confidence. Every player seemed to rise to the occasion, yet one man, quietly but decisively, stood out as the heartbeat of the team Rodrigo Bentancur.
While the headlines were claimed by the likes of Micky van de Ven, Xavi Simons, and Wilson Odobert, it was Bentancur who knitted Tottenham’s play together with his intelligence, control, and calmness.
The Uruguayan midfielder is not always the loudest name in post-match discussions, but against Copenhagen, he showed why he remains one of the most valuable and reliable figures in Thomas Frank’s squad.
His composure, passing precision, and work rate were the foundation upon which Spurs built their impressive performance.
The night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had a very different feel compared to the weekend’s loss at Stamford Bridge. There was energy, movement, and purpose in every pass. Frank’s men looked determined to make a statement, and they did exactly that.
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring with a fine finish in the first half, setting the tone for a game full of attacking intent. In the second half, Wilson Odobert doubled the advantage before Micky van de Ven stole the spotlight with one of the goals of the season a breathtaking solo run from his own box, gliding past five Copenhagen players before slotting the ball home with confidence and style.
Joao Palhinha completed the rout late on, sealing a result that not only restored belief but also reaffirmed Spurs’ attacking identity.
Yet beneath all the excitement and highlight moments was Bentancur, orchestrating the rhythm of the game with remarkable consistency. His performance may not have been flashy, but it was the type every great team needs disciplined, steady, and technically sharp.
Bentancur’s decision-making under pressure was immaculate. He dictated the tempo, broke up play efficiently, and moved the ball with purpose and precision.
Statistics only confirm how central he was to Tottenham’s dominance. The Uruguayan registered 79 touches the second most on the pitch after Pedro Porro and completed 88% of his passes, successfully finding his teammates 60 times out of 68 attempts.
His distribution wasn’t just safe; it was progressive. He made six passes into the final third and completed both of his long-range deliveries.
Defensively, Bentancur was equally reliable, winning three of his four duels and contributing six key defensive actions, including three interceptions, five recoveries, and three clearances. It was a complete midfield display efficient, controlled, and quietly brilliant.
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher even remarked during the match that Bentancur hadn’t given the ball away all night a statement slightly exaggerated but close enough to the truth to highlight his dominance in possession.
It’s that kind of consistency and intelligence that makes him indispensable, even when he’s not the one scoring or assisting.
For much of the season, Bentancur has faced criticism from sections of the fanbase who felt Frank’s decision to pair him with Palhinha in home matches made Spurs too defensive.
But Tuesday night showed that when deployed with freedom and support around him, Bentancur’s true qualities shine through. Playing alongside Pape Matar Sarr and Xavi Simons, he found the perfect balance between breaking up play and initiating attacks.
His influence went far beyond the numbers. He led by example, showing calmness when Spurs were down to ten men after Brennan Johnson’s red card and ensuring the midfield never lost control.
That leadership, often subtle, is what makes Bentancur such a crucial figure in this Tottenham side.
As Spurs celebrated an emphatic win, van de Ven’s wonder goal and Simons’ creativity naturally drew the spotlight. Yet it was Bentancur’s unseen brilliance his tireless running, composure under pressure, and near-perfect execution that truly allowed Tottenham to dominate from start to finish.
In a game where many shone, he was the silent conductor, the unsung hero who made it all look effortless.
Rodrigo Bentancur may not always command the headlines, but when he plays like this, Tottenham’s entire system clicks into place. His influence is subtle but profound the kind of player every successful side depends on, even if they don’t always realize it until he’s not there.
