Conte issues verdict on Bentancur and Winks after Tottenham loss

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Antonio Conte has told Tottenham Hotspur’s official website that his side actually produced one of their best displays during his tenure in their loss to Wolves, and praised the performances of Rodrigo Bentancur and Harry Winks.

Tottenham suffered their third loss in a row in the Premier League on Sunday. Early goals from Raul Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker put Bruno Lage’s side 2-0 up inside 18 minutes.

Tottenham were ultimately unable to turn the game around. And with that, they have squandered their brilliant position in the race for the top-four.

Spurs now sit five points adrift of West Ham in eighth. And while they have three games in hand, they are on a torrid run. Arsenal have the same number of games in hand, and Wolves have only played one fixture more.

It was a hugely disappointing day for Tottenham. But Conte – who suggested that Spurs produced one of their best displays since he was appointed – insisted that he was pleased with Bentancur and Winks in particular.

“He played very well,” he told the club when asked about Bentancur. “I think the two midfielders played very well today. Bentancur is a player who learned to manage to pressure with Juventus, because there is a lot of pressure at Juventus. 

“You can see that, the way that he played the game, but also Winks played a good game.”

Conte faces issue not yet knowing what his best Tottenham side is as he praises Bentancur and Winks

There were plenty of talking points when the Tottenham lineup was announced on Sunday. Both Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon dropped down to the bench.

Meanwhile, there was a surprise decision taken on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Dane was left on the Tottenham bench for the first time in the league when he has been available.

Conte may have felt that changes were needed after the dramatic game with Southampton in midweek. But his team selection also hinted that he is not yet sure what his best lineup is.

Bentancur will have his sights set on securing a regular spot in that midfield. Winks meanwhile, has shown brighter signs under Conte. But they are two of a number of players with a point to prove for various reasons in the weeks to come.