Player Watch Player Watch: Rodrigo Bentancur

[SlotBadger]

Some of his control and touches were so slick, which is an obvious sign his fitness is getting back to where it's needed.

 

[jonnyp]

No wonder he has struggled if he played with a broken toe. Looked much better against Forest

 

[Yantino]

He could be timing a return to form at just the right moment and just when we need him most. Would make a refreshing change to have someone come into form at the right time.

 

[mil1lion]

He just makes anyone alongside him better

 

[Hoddlegenius]

What's happened to him? I hope it's just the injuries taking their toll and he'll bounce back next season. He looks a shadow of the player that controlled games almost single-handedly at times pre injury.

 

[Monkey boy]

What's happened to him? I hope it's just the injuries taking their toll and he'll bounce back next season. He looks a shadow of the player that controlled games almost single-handedly at times pre injury.

combination of things really. The injury obviously, not being able to find any kind of rhythm, swapping and changing partners every other game and the team in general being way off form will make even the best players look terrible.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

What's happened to him? I hope it's just the injuries taking their toll and he'll bounce back next season. He looks a shadow of the player that controlled games almost single-handedly at times pre injury.

An ACL injury. It can often take up to about a year when returning before you get back to your best.

 

[thebenjamin]

What's happened to him? I hope it's just the injuries taking their toll and he'll bounce back next season. He looks a shadow of the player that controlled games almost single-handedly at times pre injury.

I thought he looked better against the Scum

 

[Mr Pink]

Weirdly his best game, since returning from the Cash injury was United away (not just his goal) but all round performance.

Prior to that was the Villa home game were Cash did him, he was running the show.

I still think we're paying for that Cash tackle

 

[mil1lion]

I think it's more than just him. You could be mistaken for thinking Bissouma had an ACL. Sarr seems to not be 100% since afcon. Maddison has been poor. I think it's just a knock on effect Bentancur is struggling too. Funny enough I think GLC makes him better and vice versa. I think he needs those around him to be on their games too.

 

[whenstevewentup]

It’s actually sad to watch him now , he looks so slow and weak . Arguably our best player last season before his injury but a shadow of his old self .

 

[Tucker]

Coming back from an ACL is tough enough as it is, without getting clogged in your first game back and doing your ankle.

I doubt we’ll see the best of him until after he’s had a preseason.

 

[Yiddo1982]

It’s a shame it’s the Copa America this summer as he’d benefit from a proper break and a full pre season.

 

[cliff jones]

He’s getting there. Anyone playing next to PEH has extra work to do, as he hides.

Sarr was the right pick at the weekend though- big mistake not to start him.

 

[mil1lion]

He’s getting there. Anyone playing next to PEH has extra work to do, as he hides.

Sarr was the right pick at the weekend though- big mistake not to start him.

Sarr looked lively when he came on. We've missed his energy but he can at times get caught pressing out and leave us exposed. I think Hojbjerg was there to plug the holes. I do wonder though if a midfield 3 is going to work better with a 6 and 2 box to box midfielders each side. If Bentancur can get back to his old ways he can be one of the box to box ones but for now seems better suited to the holding role. I think Sarr, GLC and Kulusevski all suit the box to box role either side. Trouble is when Sarr presses out and they play out we have both him and Maddison forward leaving 1 midfielder.

 

[cliff jones]

Sarr looked lively when he came on. We've missed his energy but he can at times get caught pressing out and leave us exposed. I think Hojbjerg was there to plug the holes. I do wonder though if a midfield 3 is going to work better with a 6 and 2 box to box midfielders each side. If Bentancur can get back to his old ways he can be one of the box to box ones but for now seems better suited to the holding role. I think Sarr, GLC and Kulusevski all suit the box to box role either side. Trouble is when Sarr presses out and they play out we have both him and Maddison forward leaving 1 midfielder.

See what you mean. Risk and reward pressing high, but i’d back both Sarr and Bents to succeed with turnovers. I’m not having Kulu though, many said he played well. I thought he was ineffective again and Johnson unlucky to be benched

 

[EQP]

I can see his involvement in the Copa America tournament being beneficial in helping Rodrigo get back into form.

He's likely to start every game for Uruguay in that competition and he can do with with a consistent run of games to regain his confidence and sharpness.

It's taken a while for him to get back to the player we know that he can be and we should really support him because he's worked his ass off to get fit after the back to back injuries he suffered.

 

[FinnYid]

Was plain terrible tonight, but that is beside the point. Is he right kind of midfielder for way Ange wants to play?

 

[mill]

Gets a pass this season for me because of the injuries but needs to prove himself next season

 

[theShiznit]

Was plain terrible tonight, but that is beside the point. Is he right kind of midfielder for way Ange wants to play?

Thought his link to paiy and touches were better than of late but he's quite one paced ATM. That might improve with sharpness and confidence in his body but as you say he may never be an ideal player in Ange's midfield.