"A fantastic player" - Dejan Kulusevski claims Tottenham Hotspur teammate is one of the most 'underrated' player in world football
Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski has heaped praise on his teammate Rodrigo Bentancur after his standout performance in his team's recent 4-3 Premier League win over Leeds United.
Spurs notched up a thrilling home win over Jesse Marsch's side on Saturday (12 November) after going behind three times during the contest. Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring in the tenth minute before Harry Kane restored parity in the 25th minute. Rodrigo bagged a brace on either side of Ben Davies' goal to hand the visitors the lead.
Bentancur, 25, emerged as Spurs' winner in the final stages of the contest, scoring twice in three minutes to help his team consolidate their fourth spot in the Premier League standings.
10' Spurs 0-1 Leeds
25' Spurs 1-1 Leeds
43' Spurs 1-2 Leeds
51' Spurs 2-2 Leeds
76' Spurs 2-3 Leeds
81' Spurs 3-3 Leeds
83' Spurs 4-3 Leeds
A seven-goal thriller at @SpursStadium... 🤯 https://t.co/xRW4cjPfXC
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day (via Evening Standard), Kulusevski lauded his former Juventus teammate for his contribution. He said:
"When we were 3-3, I said in my head that the next time I get the ball, I am going to shoot and I am going to score. But then it was a different situation and I saw Rodri alone, and I just pray to God that he will score and he did. He is a fantastic player, one of the most underrated players in the world. I am very happy for him."
Bentancur has established himself as a key member of the Antonio Conte-coached outfit since initially arriving on loan from Juventus in January this year. Earlier this summer, he sealed a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for an initial fee of £16 million.
A right-footed box-to-box midfielder, the Uruguayan has netted five goals and laid out two assists in 21 appearances across competitions this season.
Rodrigo Bentancur was hyped after scoring two goals in two minutes 🔥 https://t.co/knMQ0bW0jb
Bentancur has been named in Uruguay's 26-man squad for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this month. He's expected to start for his national team in their tournament opener against South Korea in Group H on Thursday (November 24).
Tottenham Hotspur prepared to sign 29-year-old La Liga attacker - Reports
According to Mundo Deportivo (via Express), Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco in January.
Carrasco, 29, is said to be one of four players put up for sale by Los Rojiblancos, and his potential availability has alerted Spurs. He has scored 39 goals and contributed 41 assists in 238 appearances across competitions for the Diego Simeone-coached outfit.
A versatile attacker blessed with pace and crossing, the Belgium international has helped Atletico Madrid lift two trophies during his stint.