Thomas Frank wants more consistency from Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur

Thomas Frank has challenged Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur to bring more consistency to his game after he signed a new long-term contract at the club on Friday.

Uruguay international Bentancur joined Spurs at the start of 2022 from Juventus and has gone on to make 122 appearances for the Premier League club – including starting their Europa League final triumph in May.

The 28-year-old had entered the final 12 months of his previous deal but has committed his long-term future to Tottenham.

Ahead of Spurs’ trip to Leeds on Saturday, Frank said of Bentancur: “I am very happy with him as a player and as a character.

“I think when he plays at his best level he is a top-level midfielder here in the Premier League and I probably need to see a little bit more consistency there.

“I also want him to – and I told him myself – dictate the game a bit more and get on the ball when it’s tough because he’s so good on the ball.

“He is so composed and so good to get the ball in tight areas and get out of situations. That I would like to see a little bit more.

“So, I think that is the first bit and he can easily add goals to his game, but the more we can control the middle of the pitch with him, the better.”

Bentancur was surprisingly left out of the leadership group named by Frank later on Friday.

Captain Cristian Romero is joined in the five-player group by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, long-serving defender Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison.

Pedro Porro, who captained Spurs against Doncaster last week, was also left out, but Frank talked up the importance of the duo.

Frank explained: “First and foremost, there is quite a few with leadership potential in them. The more we can have that want to speak up and take responsibility for the bigger picture, the better. That’s what creates the best teams.

“I agree with Rodri Bentancur and Pedro, especially the two of them. They are two I want to take a lot of responsibility.

“I think they do very well, but I also think this group also covers the squad to make sure we get around to everyone, make sure all the groups, even though we’re one big group, are touched and in sync, so lots of factors into that.”

Romero missed the midweek 2-2 draw at Bodo/Glimt as a “precaution” but Frank revealed he is available to play at Leeds in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

Paris St Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani has also returned to training after a dead leg, although he is not fit enough to feature at Elland Road.

“Yes, Romero is fit and available and he will start tomorrow. Promising news. I think there was a contact to the foot and the medical team did a good job to get him turned around,” Frank revealed.

“Kolo Muani has been on the pitch the last two days, so that’s very positive.”