Tottenham's midfield is 'a big problem' - but just how dysfunctional has it been?

The lack of quality in Tottenham Hotspur’s central midfield has been a problem since the beginning of the season when then-head coach Thomas Frank experimented with the unpopular partnership of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur. The pair provided a solid base in August’s UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and the early-season win at Manchester City, but over time their inability to progress the ball was exposed.Advertisement