Antonio impressed with positive impact of Bentancur and Kulusevski

Antonio Conte heaped praise on Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski for the way they’ve quickly adapted to a new life at Spurs and made an instant impact in the Premier League.

The pair joined us from Juventus on 31 January, Rodrigo on a permanent move until 2026, Dejan initially on an 18-month loan with an option to buy.

Still only 24, Rodrigo cut his footballing teeth in the pressure cooker of Boca Juniors and has won five titles - two at Boca, three with Juve - and earned 47 caps for Uruguay all at the age of 24. Dejan scored as Juve lifted the Coppa Italia last season and is also an established international with Sweden, 20 caps under his belt at just 21.

After three substitute appearances, ‘Deki’ has started our last eight matches in all competitions, marking his first start with his first goal in our memorable 3-2 win at Manchester City. He has two goals and four assists in his last seven appearances in the Premier League. Rodrigo’s run was interrupted by an injury at Burnley, but he’s also started our last four in the Premier League, as we've won three.

“For sure, to come in in the way that they did, in a short period, was positive for us,” said Antonio. “It’s important when you sign young players to understand that the Premier League is very difficult and before signing new players you have to check many qualities.

“Players have to be good technically, you can work and be good tactically and you can work to improve, but at the same time they have to be strong physically, fast, with a good engine. In these two players we found all the characteristics for this league.

“Then, they’re very young. Bentancur is only 24 years old but has already played 200 (career) games. Deki is in the starting 11 of his national team. Don’t forget they’re arriving from a club where the pressure is already very high. For this reason, they were ready to manage this situation.”