“He deserves to Start”- 111 touches, 94% passes, 100% dribbles: Tottenham star repays Ange’s faith with brilliant display, set to Vs Palace
Tottenham Hotspur secured their second consecutive win across all competitions with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night. The narrow victory, secured through a penalty, not only reinforced Tottenham’s positive start in the tournament but also showcased their growing consistency under manager Ange Postecoglou.
The lone goal came from a spot kick converted by Richarlison, allowing Spurs to maintain their perfect Europa League record. This win also places them second in their group, trailing only Lazio on goal difference. The Brazilian striker’s precise penalty capped off a disciplined and resilient display by the London outfit, who managed to overcome AZ Alkmaar’s resistance with solid performances across the pitch.
Tottenham’s midfield showed particular promise, especially through Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan international delivered an exceptional all-around performance, adding much-needed creativity and control in the middle of the park. According to SofaScore.com, Bentancur’s stats were impressive: he had a remarkable 111 touches, achieved a 94% pass accuracy, and completed all of his attempted dribbles. Furthermore, he was highly effective in ground duels, winning five, and demonstrated his attacking vision with a crucial through ball to James Maddison, leading to the decisive penalty.
The match saw a brief moment of tension as Richarlison and Maddison exchanged words about who should take the penalty kick, but it was ultimately the Brazilian who stepped up and found the back of the net. This incident highlighted the competitive drive within the team as they navigate the demands of European and domestic competitions.
Bentancur’s contributions extended to the defensive side as well. He executed a critical challenge inside Tottenham’s penalty area to thwart AZ Alkmaar’s Ernest Poku, preventing what could have been a clear shot on goal. This defensive commitment added to his value on the night, proving him to be a versatile asset who can deliver in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Bentancur’s performance comes as a promising sign, especially considering his challenges with injuries last season, which limited him to only 23 Premier League appearances. He returned to action with a late substitute appearance in Tottenham’s commanding 4-1 win over West Ham United last weekend, but his showing against AZ Alkmaar demonstrated his full capabilities. This match highlighted the midfielder’s resilience and ability to influence games when fit.
Postecoglou’s faith in Bentancur is clearly paying off, and the manager will likely consider him a key figure for the upcoming London derby against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The manager opted for a dynamic midfield trio of Maddison, Kulusevski, and Bissouma against West Ham, providing fluidity and attacking intent. However, with the away fixture at Selhurst Park, Postecoglou may adopt a slightly more balanced approach. Bentancur’s ability to control play from deep and his defensive awareness could make him a valuable addition to the lineup in what promises to be a highly competitive game.
If selected, Bentancur would join Maddison and Bissouma in midfield, with Kulusevski potentially making way. Spurs are in a strong position, sitting within four points of the top four, and a win over Crystal Palace would close the gap and strengthen their ambitions to secure Champions League football next season. With Bentancur regaining form and key players like Maddison and Richarlison stepping up, Tottenham have a real chance to continue their momentum and achieve a significant result on Sunday.