Tottenham have confirmed the double deal with Juventus for Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, and now Antonio Conte has to get the best out of the pair.
The Italian coach had been desperately hoping for some reinforcements to arrive in this month’s transfer window and his wish has finally been granted, with sporting director Fabio Paratici picking up two players he knows well from his time in Turin.
Conte will now have to find the best way to utilise the duo. Starting with Bentancur, the Uruguayan is a hard-working midfielder who is good at recovering and recycling the ball, as well as short distance dribbling and progressive passing.
If the Italian coach lines Spurs up as a 3-4-2-1, Bentancur could slot nicely alongside Oliver Skipp in front of the defence, being an important bridge in the transition from defence to attack. In a 3-5-2 system, the Uruguayan midfielder would work well in the centre of the pitch, although he is not at his best playing in a ‘regista’ role.
Kulusevski is an exciting and promising attacking talent; the 21-year-old Swede can play as an attacking midfielder, in a number 8 or 10 role, which could work well behind Harry Kane in a 3-4-2-1 system.
In a 3-5-2, Kulusevski could be paired up alongside the English striker, or he could be used in a more attacking role in the midfield. He will likely provide some much needed creativity to the Spurs squad, and will give Conte more options when lining up his attack.