Tottenham Hotspur faces a significant challenge as they prepare to take on Everton without their €65 million star signing, Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan midfielder, who suffered a head injury in the recent match against Leicester City, is expected to be sidelined, leaving a gap in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield. At Premiership Fixtures, we unveil three ways Tottenham can cover for injured player.
Here are three strategies Tottenham could employ to cover for Bentancur’s absence in their upcoming clash with Everton.
1. Switch to a 4-3-3 Formation
With Bentancur unavailable, Postecoglou might consider shifting from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-3-3 setup. This formation change would allow Tottenham to maintain balance in midfield without relying on a direct replacement for Bentancur.
- Pape Matar Sarr as the Defensive Midfielder: Sarr, who has shown promise in his appearances so far, could take on the role of the holding midfielder. His ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively would be crucial in shielding the defense.
- James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall as Box-to-Box Midfielders: James Maddison could continue in his attacking role, while 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall, who impressed in his brief cameo against Leicester, could be given his first start. Bergvall’s energy and technical ability could complement Maddison’s creativity, allowing Tottenham to dominate the midfield.
This formation would also give Spurs more flexibility in transitioning from defense to attack, with Sarr anchoring the midfield and Maddison and Bergvall driving the play forward.
2. Utilize Giovani Lo Celso in a Deeper Role
Another option for Postecoglou is to deploy Giovani Lo Celso in a deeper role alongside Pape Matar Sarr in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Lo Celso, known for his vision and passing range, could step into Bentancur’s shoes as a more creative outlet from deep.
- Sarr as the Defensive Shield: With Sarr providing defensive cover, Lo Celso would have the freedom to link play between defense and attack. His ability to pick out key passes could help Spurs break down Everton’s defense, which has been vulnerable this season.
- Maddison in the Number 10 Role: This setup would allow Maddison to continue operating in his preferred number 10 position, where he can create chances for the forwards. The combination of Lo Celso’s playmaking from deep and Maddison’s creativity further up the pitch could be the key to unlocking Everton’s defense.
3. Promote Youth and Trust in the Squad Depth
Tottenham has been proactive in building a squad with depth, particularly in midfield. Postecoglou might consider giving more playing time to some of the club’s emerging talents or squad players who have been on the fringes.
- Oliver Skipp as a Midfield Enforcer: Skipp, who has proven himself as a reliable option in the past, could partner with Pape Matar Sarr in midfield. His energy and work rate would add solidity to the team, allowing the more creative players like Maddison to focus on attacking duties.
- Lucas Bergvall’s First Start: If Postecoglou opts to stick with a more traditional lineup, Bergvall could be handed his first start. The young Swede has shown glimpses of his potential, and giving him a starting role could inject fresh enthusiasm into the squad.
- Utilize the Versatility of Players: Tottenham could also consider rotating some of their more versatile players to cover for Bentancur’s absence. For example, Dejan Kulusevski could drop deeper into midfield, with Brennan Johnson or Manor Solomon taking up a role on the right wing. Three Ways Tottenham Can Cover for Injured includes,
While Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury is undoubtedly a blow to Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou has several options to ensure his team remains competitive against Everton. Whether it’s adjusting the formation, relying on experienced squad players, or promoting youth, Tottenham has the resources to cope with Bentancur’s absence and secure a positive result at home.