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.

The Uruguayan scored six goals and provided two assists in the first half of the previous season (Transfermarkt) before sustaining an ACL injury in February that ended his career.

Thankfully, Maddison quickly settled in and took over as Ange Postecoglou’s team’s leader, so Spurs supporters didn’t miss Bentancur too much in the early going of this season.

Maddison was an important member of the Lilywhites, tallying three goals and five assists in the first eleven games. However, he left the game against Chelsea last week after receiving a knock to the ankle, playing for less than 45 minutes.

Who will replace Maddison? Rodrigo Bentancur?

Since then, it has come to light that the playmaker won’t be available until January (Telegraph), which is devastating news for Spurs.

Giovani Lo Celso has been mentioned as a possible candidate to take over in the number-ten spot in Maddison’s absence. Onuoha, though, believes Bentancur might be a better option.

“It is a big list and these are people who have done very well for the team this season,” he said to Premier League Productions. “But they do have players who want to come in and make a difference.”

“The big one that gets overlooked is Bentancur’s return. He will play well in the Postecoglou system, so that could give him an opportunity to break into the team because he’ll probably get more minutes now that Maddison and Son are playing.”

“I genuinely believe he could [play as a 10], and I’m excited to watch their strategy.”

Last season, Bentancur demonstrated his effectiveness in advanced positions while playing in a midfield two. He will now have even more freedom to explore the attacking third and could prove to be a revelation there with players like Sarr and Bissouma behind him.