Ange Postecoglou amazed by ‘brilliant’ Tottenham player after Bournemouth win

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Ange Postecoglou has issued his verdict on Rodrigo Bentancur after the midfielder made his return for Tottenham Hotspur in their win over Bournemouth on Sunday.

Spurs rounded off 2023 with a victory against the in-form Cherries. Pape Matar Sarr, Heung-min Son and Richarlison bagged the goals for the home side.

But the victory was not the only huge boost Tottenham received on Sunday. Rodrigo Bentancur made a surprise return to the starting lineup after just a month out.

Ange Postecoglou reacts as Rodrigo Bentancur makes his Tottenham return

Bentancur had been expected to be out until mid-February after coming off during the defeat to Aston Villa after finding himself on the receiving end of a nasty challenge from Matty Cash.

But the Uruguayan ultimately returned much sooner.

And speaking to Match of the Day, Ange Postecoglou suggested that having the former Juventus man back in the fold already is massive for his side.

“Brilliant, main positive apart from the result,” he said, when asked about the midfielder’s return. “He’s worked hard to get back and train with us, gave everyone a lift because he’s a fantastic footballer and he’s an enormous character. 60 minutes today and he can get on the training pitch this week.”

Spurs need midfielder to play big role over the rest of the season

Tottenham were dealt further injury blows on Sunday. Both Sarr and Alejo Veliz came off at a time when Spurs are probably struggling just to fill the match day squad.

Postecoglou will be wary of rushing Bentancur, particularly when he has already returned so swiftly. But it could be a game-changer to have him back in the fold.

He was one of the only positives about last season for Spurs. His five goals made him Tottenham’s third highest goalscorer in the league behind Harry Kane and Son – and he missed a large part of the campaign due to injury.

It could be huge for Tottenham now if Bentancur can play a major role in the second-half of this season.