Alan Smith was seriously impressed with Rodrigo Bentancur’s display for Tottenham Hotspur today.
Smith was co-commentating on the game on Sky Sports and singled out the Spurs midfielder for praise.
Tottenham got off to flyer against Aston Villa today as they created several openings in the early stages of the game.
Dejan Kulusevski hit the post inside the opening 10 minutes while Spurs continuously got in behind Villa’s high defensive line.
Giovani Lo Celso eventually opened the scoring with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box, with a slight deflection off Ezri Konsa helping it past Emiliano Martinez.
Spurs looked bright going forward in the first half and Rodrigo Bentancur was central to some of their best moments.
The 26-year-old was handed his first start of the season after returning from a lengthy layoff following an ACL injury.
His day ended early after a late challenge from Matty Cash forced him off with another injury. But Alan Smith was impressed with what he saw from the midfielder in the early stages of the game.
Smith impressed with Bentancur’s display
Speaking on Sky Sports, Smith lauded Bentancur as a ‘classy’ operator in the middle of the park.
“But Bentancur, he’s shown some classy touches out there,” he said. “He’s a really good player and he’s started this game quickly.
“He’s wanting to get on the ball and try to make things happen.”
He added later in the half: “He’s been pivotal to Tottenham’s bright start here.”
Spurs dominated the first half but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.
Pau Torres made Ange Postecoglou’s men rue their wasted opportunities as he levelled things up right on the stroke of halftime.
Tottenham continued to dominate and create chances in the second half but Villa proved to be more clinical on the day.
Ollie Watkins netted just before the hour mark and despite continuing to create in the final third, Spurs fell to a 2-1 defeat.