Photo: Arne Müseler
As Tottenham issues are identified, Ben Davies shares Ange Postecoglou’s astute Aston Villa masterplan.
Sunday morning’s top stories about Tottenham Hotspur included updates on Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Ange Postecoglou.
Carragher and Bielsa concur on a Tottenham player
Rodrigo Bentancur received high marks from Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa following his team’s 3-0 victory over Bolivia. According to Sofascore, the Spurs midfielder was impressive throughout the game, winning eight duels, registering three interceptions, and creating one big chance.
According to El Observador, Bielsa stated of Bentancur, “He is a player that it is difficult to find an area of the midfield that he is not in a position to assume.” “There are not many players who defend like a holding midfielder, who attack and defend like an interior, like a number 8, like a mixed midfielder, and that when they reach the rival area he has the resources, the qualities of an offensive midfielder.”
Regarding Bentancur, Jamie Carragher has already expressed a similar opinion to Bielsa. The former Liverpool defender said in an interview with Sky Sports: “It’s great to see Bentancur. You can see how much the fans love him, and he was fantastic in his Tottenham debut. This Tottenham team will undoubtedly benefit if he can return to anything like his peak.”
Udogie lifts the lid
Destiny Udogie has revealed his first interaction with Ange Postecoglou helped to motivate him for life at Tottenham. Speaking to The Athletic, the defender said: “The first day I came in, he called me to speak with him and he told me I’m a key player for him.
“He explained what he wanted from me and knowing I had the trust of the head coach was a big motivation. In the beginning, playing as an inverted full-back was a bit different because I was a wing-back. As a wing-back, I’m just on the side, but playing partly in midfield you have to be aware of what’s going on behind you.
“Before you get the ball, you need to be prepared. You need to be aware of your surroundings, both ahead and behind you, as well as your plans. Thus, it resembles playing midfield. I was working very close to the wing at first. But as I get closer inside, I start to feel more secure. Everything is going smoothly. It’s fun for me.”
Davies provides a strategy tip
Tottenham might not line up as high against Aston Villa as they did against Chelsea prior to the international break, according to Ben Davies. The Spurs defender stated, “That’s not what we were trying to achieve,” in an interview with the Daily Mail.
However, you’ll try anything when you have nine men, and for a while, that was effective. All you do is look for a way to prevail. The higher up you are, the more opportunities you have. People will become excited at the first hint of any wobble when you’re performing well.
“They’re interested in your response. There are still a ton of games available, and it is our responsibility to fix them. We’re sure we can pull that off. We should be there or thereabouts if we concentrate on the upcoming game.”
