# Tottenham Must Build Midfield Around Bentancur, Not Tonali‑Fernandes

- Topic: football
- Source: [FourFourTwo](https://www.fourfourtwo.com/person/player/tottenham-hotspur-need-to-forget-their-gbp185m-midfield-duo-roberto-de-zerbi-must-build-his-midfield-around-another-guy)
- Published: 2026-09-10
- Original: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/person/player/tottenham-hotspur-need-to-forget-their-gbp185m-midfield-duo-roberto-de-zerbi-must-build-his-midfield-around-another-guy
- Language: en
- Image: https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5L9y9vbkxT9h2Ui3VjwjHF-1280-80.jpg

## At a glance

- Bentancur, once a Champions League catalyst, has returned from ACL injury to start twice in Spurs' first three Premier League games.
- De Zerbi plans to pair new signings Tonali and Fernandes in a deep‑lying role while keeping Bentancur as the midfield anchor.
- Tottenham have earned only one point from three matches and remain goal‑scorched, highlighting early season struggles.
- The 0‑0 draw with Nottingham Forest showcased Bentancur's defensive work, with nine clearances, two interceptions, and a win in six duels.

## Sources

- [FourFourTwo](https://www.fourfourtwo.com/person/player/tottenham-hotspur-need-to-forget-their-gbp185m-midfield-duo-roberto-de-zerbi-must-build-his-midfield-around-another-guy)

## The story

Tottenham Hotspur's new manager Roberto De Zerbi has decided to centre his midfield around veteran Uruguayan Rodrigo Bentancur rather than the £185 million duo of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Bentancur, who joined Spurs in 2021, was a key figure in Antonio Conte's 4‑2‑3‑1 and helped the club secure a Champions League qualification in 2021‑22. After an ACL injury in February 2023, Bentancur has struggled with recurring knee, ankle and hamstring problems, yet he has started twice in the opening three Premier League fixtures. De Zerbi praised Bentancur's performance in the 0‑0 draw against Nottingham Forest, noting his defensive contributions and ability to win duels in the midfield. The manager plans to pair Tonali and Fernandes in a deep‑lying role, but insists Bentancur will remain the anchor at the base of the 4‑2‑3‑1. Tottenham have collected only one point from their first three league matches and have yet to score a goal, raising questions about the team's offensive output. With Everton scheduled to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, De Zerbi will test his midfield strategy against a side that excels in midfield duels. The club’s decision to retain Bentancur signals a focus on experience and stability as they aim to improve their early season form.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.fourfourtwo.com/person/player/tottenham-hotspur-need-to-forget-their-gbp185m-midfield-duo-roberto-de-zerbi-must-build-his-midfield-around-another-guy)