Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur play arguably the most difficult role in Conte’s system, as a two-man midfield is typically overrun by larger numbers in that area, but both of them have been exhilarating in the first half of this season.
People rightfully heap praise on Tottenham’s front three, and at the end of last seasons dramatic campaign with Spurs pipping Arsenal to a Champions League spot, they were hugely impactful and scored crucial goals in that becoming a reality. However, Spurs’ midfield duo did not receive the same praise, despite being involved in some vital goals in the lead up to that.
That was probably due to them not being directly involved in goals too often, or the brilliance of Kulusevski, Kane and Son were so good that you undermine the performance that the midfield are putting in. Undoubtedly though, this season they are finally getting the credit they deserve after some crucial goal involvements.
The term that could define both Bentancur and Hojbjerg is certainly ‘warrior’ – both feisty, hungry players who could be fatigued beyond belief but will still make that crucial run to help the team. This probably explains why Conte is willing to run the pair in to the ground in the lead up to the World Cup.
Rodrigo Bentancur joined Spurs in January for only £15m, a figure which is looking more and more insane by the day, and the Uruguayan is receiving the credit he deserves. He is extremely intelligent, barely gives the ball away and makes those line-cutting through balls which defenders struggle against. He presses extremely well – typically goes on a shark-hunting mission where he chases down the opposition a few times each game.
The midfielder has made some significant contributions this season, such as the late winner in Bournemouth, the header which might have just saved Spurs from Champions League embarrassment, and he followed it up with a classy man of the match performance in the Stade Velodrome earlier this week.
On the other side, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg has an inspiring story, which defines his character. He joined Bayern Munich as a 17 year old, and was greatly appreciated by Pep Guardiola. At this time, he was balancing football with the pain of his Dad passing away from cancer, who he was caring for at the time. Hojbjerg still performed, and eventually joined Tottenham in 2020.
Every single manager has absolutely raved about Hojbjerg’s quality and work rate, and the fact that he has only missed two Premier League games since joining epitomises his warrior mentality. This season, he has been involved in plenty more goals – with finishes against Fulham and Everton, and of course the last-gasp winner against Marseille to send Spurs top of the group and through.
The duo also works extremely well together, and on their day are impossible to pass and impossible to stop respectively and have been one of the catalysts for Spurs’ successful results this year, typically when the output of the attackers has not been as prevalent as last season. An injury to either one of these players could curtail the downfall of the team, as they are ultra-reliable and understand Conte, which is why they are both a favourite of his.
Hojbjerg and Bentancur have undeniably been one of the best midfield pairings in the league, and both players’ quality has shone this year, and just £30m for the pair of them might just be the most efficient business Daniel Levy has done in recent years.
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