Ex-Scout Slams Tottenham Midfielder's Display, Demands Bentancur Start

Jermain Jenas Lambasts Hojbjerg, Urges Conte to Field Bentancur

Tottenham's midfield display against Leicester City has drawn criticism from former scout Jermain Jenas, who has called for Rodrigo Bentancur to start against Manchester City.

Spurs were held to a 0-0 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with their midfield failing to create clear-cut chances and struggling to control the tempo of the game.

Jenas, who spent three years as a scout for Tottenham, was particularly critical of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who he said was "anonymous" in the game.

"Hojbjerg was anonymous today. He didn't offer anything in the attacking phase and was sloppy in possession. He was easily bypassed by Leicester's midfielders and was a liability for Tottenham."

Jenas believes that Bentancur should be given a chance to start in place of Hojbjerg and that the Uruguayan would provide more creativity and energy to the midfield.

"Bentantur is a more dynamic and creative player than Hojbjerg. He is better at carrying the ball forward and creating chances for his teammates.

"He also has a better engine than Hojbjerg and would be more effective in pressing Leicester's midfielders and winning the ball back."

Tottenham will face a tough test against Manchester City on Thursday and Jenas believes that Bentancur should start in the midfield alongside Oliver Skipp.

"I think Conte should start Bentancur and Skipp in midfield against City. They are both young, energetic players who can provide the creativity and energy that Tottenham need to compete with the champions.

"Hojbjerg is a good player, but he is not the right fit for Tottenham's style of play. He is too slow and predictable and he doesn't offer enough in the attacking phase.

"Bentantur would be a better option against City. He is more dynamic and creative and he would be more effective in pressing City's midfielders and winning the ball back."