Rodrigo Bentancur passes like a quarterback says Tottenham team-mate Xavi Simons
Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield shows considerable promise during the 2025-26 Premier League season. In a recent TikTok feature via TBR on the club’s official channel, the new signing Xavi Simons chose Rodrigo Bentancur as his quarterback in an NFL side.
A closer look at Bentancur’s passing figures shows his expertise in this area for the current season. In six matches totalling 411 minutes, he attempted 237 passes and completed 206 of them. This is an accuracy rate of 86.9 per cent. (All stats from FBREF/Bentancur)
This rate exceeds his career average in the Premier League of 84.2 per cent and places him in the 82nd percentile among midfielders. His work in advancing play stands out, with 21 progressive passes that cover 772 metres. Bentancur ranks in the 88th percentile for progressive passes per 90 minutes, at 4.6. He can get it moving from defence to attack like nobody’s business. (All stats from FBREF/Bentancur)
ENGINE!
He maintains a high level of accuracy in distributing the ball, whether in short exchanges to retain possession or medium-range options to build attacks. His composure allows him to deliver progressive passes that advance play beyond the opposition’s defensive structure. At 28 years of age, Bentancur‘s calm presence under pressure makes him a vital asset to Thomas Frank’s side.
And of Simons. He himself brings impressive passing abilities to the squad, honed during his time at PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig. In his early appearances for Tottenham, he has shown creativity in moving the ball forward. With basically his whole career ahead of him, he can do wonders for the Lilywhites.
This trio of Simons, Bentancur and Joao Palhinha has been very exciting. The Portuguese international’s strong defensive work, including numerous recoveries, pairs effectively with Bentancur’s vision and Simons’ flair. This group forms a very well balanced midfield core. The engine has been a huge reason of our early-season success so far.
You can only imagine Tommy Frank’s headache when the squad is fully fit. Madders or Xavi? Deki or Kudus? Bissouma or Palhinha? Some questions have easy answers, and then come these.
