Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur confesses that Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard were his idols growing up, and was told he “needs to score more goals,” by Max Allegri and Maurizio Sarri.
The Uruguayan was speaking to DAZN ahead of tonight's showdown with third-placed Lazio and believes that he needs to work on becoming a regular scorer from midfield.
Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur confesses that Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard were his idols growing up, and was told he “needs to score more goals,” by Max Allegri and Maurizio Sarri.
The Uruguayan was speaking to DAZN ahead of tonight's showdown with third-placed Lazio and believes that he needs to work on becoming a regular scorer from midfield.
“It’s true that I haven’t scored yet. The other day I spoke with the coach and he said to me that I can become one of the best midfielders in the world, but I’m missing goals.
“I must improve on that. Allegri and Sarri have both said the same thing: to become one of the best you need to score more.”
Bentancur reveals that he grew up idolising Liverpool’s Gerrard and Lampard of Chelsea.
“When I was little I was inspired by Lampard and Gerrard, then in the role of regista I always liked [Sergio] Busquets, what a great player.
“Now I have the fortune to play with [Miralem] Pjanic, who is incredible. He is a friend who I try to learn something from every day.
“He told me that I must stay calm, because with my quality and character, I can also play that role. Pjanic is playing very well in that position, so much so that it becomes difficult to replace him.”
Bentancur will likely get even more playing time now that Sami Khedira is out for three months following knee surgery.
“It is a very hard blow for us. I hope he can get back to the team as soon as possible. He makes a lot of runs into the box and has an extraordinary ability to score goals. I think we lose a lot with his absence.
“Now Emre Can will find space because so far he has hardly played.”
Bentancur has made 16 appearances for Juve in all competitions this season.