Pundit suggests one Spurs star could step into Maddison’s role – Not Lo Celso
According to Nedum Onuoha, Tottenham Hotspur could use Rodrigo Bentancur to fill the void left behind by James Maddison’s injury.
Before Maddison’s arrival in North London, it was Bentancur who provided goals and creativity from midfield.
Last season, the Uruguayan bagged six goals and two assists in the first half of the campaign (Transfermarkt) before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in February.
Thankfully, Spurs fans didn’t miss Bentancur too much in the early stages of this campaign, with Maddison instantly settling in and pulling the strings for Ange Postecoglou‘s side.
With three goals and five assists from the first 11 games, Maddison was a key player for the Lilywhites. But, he lasted less than 45 minutes in the defeat against Chelsea last week, withdrawing after a knock to his ankle.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur and Son Heung-Min celebrate at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Who will replace Maddison? Rodrigo Bentancur?
It has since been revealed that the playmaker will be out of action until January (Telegraph), which is a huge blow for Spurs.
In terms of replacing Maddison, there are a number of options, with Giovani Lo Celso touted as potentially being the one to step into that 10 role. But, Onuoha thinks Bentancur could be a better fit.
He told Premier League Productions: “It is a big list and these are people who have done very well for the team this season, but they do have players who want to come in and make a difference.
“The big one that is slept on is the return of Bentancur, he is someone that will thrive in this Postecoglou system, so that may give him the chance to break into the side because as well as Maddison and Son were playing, maybe he’s now likely to get more minutes.
“I genuinely think he might [play as a 10] and I’m looking forward to seeing how they approach that.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Bentancur proved how effective he can be in advanced positions last season, and that was as part of a midfield two. With the likes of Bissouma and Sarr behind him now, he will have even more freedom to explore the attacking third, and could well be a revelation there.
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