Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur’s partnership in Tottenham’s midfield has caused a fair amount of controversy, but some fans now think they know why the latter keeps being selected.
Tottenham Hotspur became the first team to win away at Everton’s new stadium with an impressive 3-0 victory, which moved them into third place.
Micky van de Ven netted an impressive first-half brace from set pieces to fire Spurs on their way, before Pape Matar Sarr secured the win late on.
Before the game, Thomas Frank’s decision to start Bentancur was a big talking point, and Spurs supporters have a theory as to why he keeps getting the nod.
Tottenham fans on Rodrigo Bentancur’s set-piece threat
Some Tottenham supporters are adamant that Frank keeps selecting Rodrigo Bentancur, given his threat from set pieces.
Frank has been urged to bench Bentancur, but the Dane stuck with him again away at Everton, and it paid off as he assisted Van de Ven’s first goal.
Mohammed Kudus’ corner picked out the Uruguayan at the back post, who flicked the ball back across goal to set up Van de Ven.
Bentancur, who Xavi Simons rates, had a rather tidy game in the middle of the park for Spurs as he completed a high pass accuracy against the Toffees.
This was the 28-year-old’s 12th start in Spurs’ 14 games this season, highlighting just how important he has become under the new Tottenham boss.
During the game, Spurs fans took to X to share their thoughts on Bentancur and to suggest the reason why Frank keeps starting him.
One fan claimed: “Bentancur’s only in the team for his presence in attacking and defending corners.”
“Bentancur assist. He’s playing 90 every week this season, isn’t he?” suggested another Spurs fan.
Meanwhile, another fan questioned why Ange Postecoglou didn’t make better use of the midfielder’s threat for corners: “Ange actually neglected set pieces when he had Bentancur and Van de Ven.”
Finally, another supporter said: “Bentancur has been our target man for almost all our set pieces, and he delivered.
Thomas Frank is a big fan of Rodrigo Bentancur at Tottenham
Frank is a big fan of Bentancur, and he played a big role in the former Juve star signing a new contract with the North London club.
The experienced midfielder put pen to paper on a new deal, having held talks with the manager and been so impressed by his project.
Bailey told TBR Football: “Bentancur and Frank quickly built a relationship. As we know, the club always rated him and new talks over a deal took place before the end of the season.
“But the player wanted to talk to Frank and work with him, and I am told Frank loved that approach, not just taking the easy deal, he wanted to know there was something worth staying for.
“Frank told Bentancur, he was a key part of the midfield going forward and that’s what we have seen.
“Betancur believes in Frank, but he is not alone, we saw it with Romero and his new deal, we saw it with Palhinha in choosing the club, and we know van de Ven loves him. These Spurs players trust Frank, they really do.”