With Rodrigo Bentancur likely to be out for seven matches, I think this could be the perfect time for Ange to shake things up by introducing fresh faces to Tottenham’s starting line-up.
The FA’s ruling on Rodrigo Bentancur
Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-match ban looms, following the FA’s decision to charge him with an “aggravated breach” of conduct for remarks he made about his teammate Heung-min Son.
While Bentancur later apologised, admitting his comment was a poor attempt at humour, the FA appears resolute, with the ban expected to affect key league and cup fixtures. Though the decision hasn’t been fully confirmed yet, reliable sources suggest it’s likely to stand, and Bentancur is set to miss critical games in the coming month.
This impending suspension couldn’t have come at a worse time for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou, with the team aiming to stay competitive in the Premier League and Carabao Cup. Without Bentancur’s presence in midfield, Spurs will need to rely on other options to navigate a challenging lineup of domestic fixtures over the next month.
However, Bentancur’s availability for the Europa League offers a slight reprieve, as UEFA’s jurisdiction means he’ll remain eligible for European fixtures during his FA ban. The situation leaves a significant gap in Tottenham’s midfield, and it will be up to Postecoglou to reshuffle his lineup strategically, balancing youth development with Spurs’ ongoing ambitions this season.
An opportunity for Gray and Spence to prove their worth
Bentancur’s absence offers a prime opportunity for young talents to step up, and I think Ange should seize this chance to move Archie Gray into his ideal role in central midfield. Gray has shown glimpses of his potential, especially in his recent performance against Galatasaray, where he delivered a perfectly timed pre-assist to Johnson in a superbly constructed attack.
It was a moment of precision and timing that, in all fairness, only a few Spurs players – Maddison and Kulusevski – consistently achieve with such finesse. Given that Tottenham invested €40 million in Gray, I feel this ban period is the perfect chance to see what he can bring to the team in his natural position.
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If Gray takes on Bentancur’s role, this also opens the door for Djed Spence to finally get some minutes in the side. While Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have been consistent in their positions, I think they could do with a few games on the sidelines to refresh and regain a sharper mindset.
Spence has rarely seen the pitch this season, and with Gray moving into midfield, Spence could slot in as the new back-up full-back. It’s a move that would benefit both Spence and Spurs, with the young full-back finally able to contribute and add his pace and defensive skills in games where Tottenham need them most.
Why a youth-led approach could pay off
In my view, the timing is right for Spurs to let Gray and Spence take on more significant roles. Gray, in particular, has the technical ability and creativity that could be of use in Bentancur’s absence. His composure on the ball and ability to pick out players with his passing could add an extra dimension to Tottenham’s midfield.
Meanwhile, Spence has been waiting for his chance, and his eagerness to prove himself could revitalise the defence during this tough fixture list. Against opponents like Manchester City, a fresh and motivated Spence could bring speed and adaptability, both valuable assets as Tottenham look to remain competitive.
Of course, this is just my opinion, and I understand why Ange may prefer to rely on the senior players he trusts, like Maddison, Bissouma, Porro, and Udogie. However, as a fan, I strongly believe that at some point during Bentancur’s absence, Gray and Spence should be given a chance – at least once or twice – especially if the more senior players fail to step up their game.