Clinton Morrison was left seriously impressed by Rodrigo Bentancur on his return to the Tottenham Hotspur side today.
Rodrigo Bentancur made a surprise return to the starting line-up against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
The Uruguay international was expected to be sidelined until the new year after picking up an ankle injury in the defeat to Aston Villa last month.
His early return couldn’t have come at a better time for Spurs, with Yves Bissouma suspended and set to head off to AFCON 2024.
Bentancur replaced Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at the base of midfield and made an instant impact in the game.
The 26-year-old led the press and won the ball back in a dangerous position following a loose pass by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.
Pape Matar Sarr did the rest and produced an exceptional finish. But Morrison highlighted Bentancur’s work in the build-up.
Morrison impressed by Bentancur on Tottenham return
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Morrison praised Bentancur after his role in Tottenham’s opener today.
“It’s 1-0 to Tottenham and it’s Bournemouth, it’s their own doing,” Morrison said. “Neto tried to play out from the back and he did it again and he got punished.
“Bentancur did ever so well, Lo Celso flipped it to Pape Sarr. You’re thinking is he going to roll it to Porro, he doesn’t.
“He just drills it past Neto and into the bottom corner.”
Having Bentancur back will be a huge boost for Tottenham given their struggles with injuries of late.
The former Juventus midfielder looked exceptional on his return to the starting XI against Aston Villa last month.
Pape Matar Sarr was also forced off with an injury in the first half today and was visibly upset ahead of AFCON 2024 next month.
Bentancur was replaced by Hojbjerg in the 60th minute but the £19 million man put in another promising showing on his return to action.
Spurs were fortunate to have their 1-0 lead intact before Heung-Min Son doubled their advantage in the 71st minute. Postecoglou’s side then made the Cherries rue their missed chances at Richarlison put the game beyond doubt in the 80th minute.
Alex Scott did hand Bournemouth a lifeline just minutes after Richarlison’s effort but it proved to be too little too late.
The scoreline certainly flattered Tottenham today but they will be delighted to pick up a crucial three points after
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