Midfielder admits his first week at Tottenham was ‘really difficult’

Rodrigo Bentancur has admitted that he was surprised by the difference in intensity between football in England and Italy, and revealed that he found his first week at Tottenham extremely challenging. Less than ten months since arriving from Juventus, Bentancur has become one of Tottenham’s most important players, establishing himself as a mainstay in Antonio […]

The post Midfielder admits his first week at Tottenham was ‘really difficult’ appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Rodrigo Bentancur has admitted that he was surprised by the difference in intensity between football in England and Italy, and revealed that he found his first week at Tottenham extremely challenging.

Less than ten months since arriving from Juventus, Bentancur has become one of Tottenham’s most important players, establishing himself as a mainstay in Antonio Conte’s midfield.

The Uruguayan has formed a solid partnership in the middle of the park alongside Pirre-Emile Hojbjerg, but he admitted that it was not all smooth sailing for him at Spurs at the start.

Bentancur told Sky Sports about adapting to the Premier League: “The truth is I was able to adapt in an excellent manner from the moment I arrived. My teammates welcomed me in an extraordinary way and the club has been incredible.

“The first week was really difficult. The speed, the rhythm, the intensity, the strength of the players. It was a complete change from the level I was used to in Italy.

“I think Antonio trusting me and starting me in games so soon after I arrived helped me adapt very quickly. Minutes on the pitch are the best way to adapt and that has been fundamental for me.”

Bentancur remarked that the four and a half years he spent at Juventus proved to be an important education for him, tactically and defensively. He also suggested that his transition to Spurs was aided by the fact that the club have an Italian regime in charge.

The midfielder said: “As a first step into European football, I think Italy was the best possible option for me because tactically and defensively, the level is incredible.

“That helped me a lot, and then, arriving at a team like Tottenham, with another Italian coaching staff, I fitted in well.

“I have improved a lot in terms of my intensity and my transitions from defence to attack. I think I am a lot better in those respects. But being a footballer is a constant learning process.”

Bentancur credited his formative years at Boca Juniors with helping him mature quickly and develop a strong mentality.

When asked where his winning mentality comes from, the 25-year-old responded: “I think playing for a team like Boca Juniors, one of the best teams in South America, teaches you that. Then, at Juventus, I was walking into the club full of incredible players, legends, who were winning everything and continued to win things.

“But it’s also the way we are brought up from childhood as young players in South America. Football is a game they teach us to play, but above all you have to win.

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that Bentancur is extremely mature for someone of his age, owing to the fact that he played for two big clubs with massive expectations in Boca Juniors and Juventus at such a young age. Spurs are now reaping the benefits of that.

The post Midfielder admits his first week at Tottenham was ‘really difficult’ appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.