Tottenham Hotspur star Rodrigo Bentancur says he ‘didn’t expect’ transfer move in January
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Evening Standard), Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur said that he did not expect to move clubs last month, after Juventus parted ways with the star in the winter transfer window.
After going almost the entire transfer window in January without signing anyone, Spurs completed a double signing from Juve on deadline day as Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur were brought to the club to bolster the midfield.
The Uruguayan has since reflected on his time at the club, and stated that his ambition at Tottenham was to help the club play Champions League football next term by finishing in the top four of the table this season.
“Personal goal? To improve every day, to give my best, and to help my teammates to get this team into the top four, into the Champions League.”
The player is currently out injured for up to three weeks after suffering an injury in the first half of the Lilywhites’ previous league game against Burnley. The midfielder did not return in the second period of the game, as his injury will concern manager Antonio Conte who is short on midfield options.
“Surprised and happy”
Conte has started Bentancur in the previous three Premier League games, as the 24-year-old has proven that he has what it takes to succeed in England, adapting quickly to life in the top-flight and replacing stars like Harry Winks who have years of PL experience.
The former Juventus man said that he did not expect a move last month away from Italy, but was happy about getting the chance to move to Tottenham. The Premier League experience is something very few players turn down, and the Uruguay international seems to harbour the same thoughts.
“I didn’t expect to move in January, I found out in the national team, and I was very surprised and happy.”
Bentancur has been impressive so far, making a good impression in midfield despite Spurs’ recent league form. Most new signings struggle to adapt to the English game, but the midfielder has embraced the situation and made the most of it.
His recent injury will be sure to hurt Tottenham, who need to find ways to get out of their recent domestic rut. It will also disappoint the player, who looked set to establish himself as a regular in Conte’s side going forward.
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Bentancur’s comments about being surprised about the move to north London will shock very few, given how poor the club was in January when it came to bringing in new recruits to improve the team. Though the Uruguayan has done well, the team needs more than a defensive midfielder to turn them into world-beaters, and the club will need to fix the situation in the summer.
Hopefully, we see the former Juventus star return to action soon and pick up where he left off by putting in more dazzling displays in the middle of the park. We need to climb up the table to ensure a top-four spot by the end of the season, and Bentancur will be crucial in this journey.
