Tottenham were far from their very best on Sunday afternoon as they fell to defeat at the hands of Ipswich Town.
Spurs were especially poor in the first half as goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap gave the Tractor Boys a two-goal lead at the break.
The Lilywhites thought they pulled one back from a corner as Dominic Solanke latched onto a set-piece to tap the ball in – though VAR later overturned it for a handball.
Tottenham did finally pull themselves back into the game as Rodrigo Bentancur’s front-post effort went beyond Aro Muric into the back of the net.
While Ange Postecoglou’s side huffed and puffed, they were unable to bring themselves level and head into the international break with defeat.
There was one player who stood out to supporters though, which could see him in the team to face Manchester City after the break.
Tottenham fans give verdict on Rodrigo Bentancur
One player that Tottenham fans were impressed with was Bentancur, who covered plenty of ground in the midfield.
Add to that his desire to win a header from the corner that brought Spurs back into it and it showed that ability to drag the team forward.
Supporters gave their verdict on social media, with one saying: “Aside from the goal, Bentancur has been head and shoulders above anyone in a white shirt today.”
“RODRIGO BENTANCUR !!!!!!!! This man has been our best player today, by far!” another added.
The praise continued, even despite the result, with one fan claiming: “Bentancur getting around this pitch, playing well.”
“Bentancur deserved that goal today,” another added, before someone else said: “Bentancur is so good man.”
It’s clear that some fans were left impressed with Bentancur but the result and his condition over the international break may bring a question over whether he will feature against Manchester City.
Rodrigo Bentancur must start for Tottenham against Man City
The Tottenham midfield has been a clear issue for Postecoglou to sort in a tactical sense as it’s the glue that holds together that defence and attack.
With Dejan Kulusevski featuring in there, the need for a more defensive presence and a box-to-box option is clear.
Bentancur clearly holds that more defensive position but he can also operate between both boxes, which is important.
Against opposition such as Manchester City, his presence may well be required to stop the threat of the champions.
It remains to be seen whether he will be called upon for such a fixture though.
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