Tottenham Hotspur have struggled with two major issues in the Premier League this season, with the centre-forward area just one department that has been called into question.
Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have often shared the responsibility at the top end of the pitch, but neither of whom have been able to nail down the position as their own.
The Brazilian international may have scored in the previous clash with Manchester United, but he’s often failed to deliver when called upon, as seen by his tally of just four goals to date.
However, the midfield area has also been one of concern for Thomas Frank, with the Dane yet to establish his best partnership in the middle of the park.
Joao Palhinha has arguably made himself one of the first names on the teamsheet, with his tally of 49 tackles won in the Premier League this season the highest of any player in the division.
Despite the performances of the Portuguese international, he’s not been able to find a regular partner at the base of the side - but one player shouldn’t operate in the role alongside him.
How Bentancur compares to other midfielders in the PL in 2025/26
Over the last few years, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been a key member of the first team squad, racking up 130 appearances for Spurs in the last three seasons.
The hierarchy forked out a fee in the region of £21.5m for the Uruguayan’s signature in January 2022, a bargain fee given his extended stint in North London.
However, despite starting eight matches in the Premier League this season, the 28-year-old has fallen way below the standards many expect from him, given his previous performances.
Such displays have led to calls from the supporters for Bentancur to be dropped, with his underlying stats from the ongoing campaign further showcasing his lack of impact in 2025/26.
He’s only completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst only achieving a total of 1.1 long balls per 90 - with the latter ranking him in the bottom 15% of all players in the division.
The Uruguayan has only created 0.6 chances per 90, ranking him in the bottom 25% of all players in the division - something which is vital alongside a ball-winner like Palhinha.
Given the Portuguese international’s ability to break up the play, it’s handed Bentancur the responsibility to help transition the play, but he’s been unable to do so - as seen by the aforementioned figures.
Out of possession, the former Juventus star has also massively struggled to make a positive impact, which has no doubt led to the supporters’ recent frustrations.
He’s made just 0.5 interceptions per 90 - ranking him in the 25th percentile - whilst also being dribbled past 0.6 times per 90 - the highest of any midfielder in the Spurs squad.
Palhinha has massively dominated Bentancur in the ball-winning department, with the former of the duo winning nearly three more tackles per 90 in 2025/26 at present.
The Spurs star who can end Bentancur’s Spurs career
Bentancur’s decline at Spurs has been a difficult one for the supporters to watch, especially given the heights he’s previously achieved during his time in North London.
However, his recent performances in the current season highlight his drop-off in form, with Frank needing to consider alternative options in the middle of the park.
Youth has emerged in such an area, with the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr both staking their claims for regular starting roles in the years ahead for the Lilywhites.
The latter of the pair started in the draw with United on Saturday afternoon, whilst the Swede has missed the last two outings after suffering a concussion against Chelsea.
Sarr even completed the most passes of any player in the contest last weekend, showcasing that he already has one up on Bentancur with his talents with the ball at his feet.
However, Frank already has another talented teenager on his hands in the form of Archie Gray, with the midfielder deserving of more time in the first team setup.
The Lilywhites faithful likely raised eyebrows when the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature last summer, after just one previous season as a professional at Leeds United.
No doubt the deal was one for the future, after joining Spurs at 18, but he was catapulted into the limelight under Ange Postecoglou last season due to the injury crisis in North London.
Gray ended up making 46 appearances across all competitions last season, with many of which coming at centre-back and full-back - roles which are somewhat unfamiliar to the teenager.
He still managed to thrive in 2024/25, even registering numerous impressive figures such as 89% passes completed and 1.8 interceptions made - both of which were higher than Bentancur.
However, since Frank’s arrival in the off-season, the 19-year-old has struggled for consistent first-team action - only making six appearances across all competitions, with two of which coming in the Premier League.
He’s only been rewarded with a single start to date, with Frank often overlooking his ability to thrive under his guidance - something which has been a mistake to date.
Gray is a player who possesses huge potential, even being labelled a “future £100m CM” by Ben Mattinson, with many analysts believing in him more than his current manager.
As previously mentioned, his figures from the last campaign highlight the talent he possesses, but ultimately, he’s been unable to replicate such levels given his lack of first-team action.
Between now and the end of the season, Frank desperately needs to hand Gray more consistent minutes to allow the youngster to reach his full potential in North London.
Any consistent spell for Spurs could certainly spell the end for Bentancur at the club, with the manager needing to offload the Uruguayan to allow Gray to match the expectations placed upon him after his mammoth transfer.