Fowler Slams Bergvall and Bentancur After Tottenham’s Carabao Cup Defeat to Liverpool

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has criticised Tottenham Hotspur midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur after the Reds’ 3-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Spurs in midweek.

Fowler Criticises Spurs’ Defending

Speaking on ITV, via Metro, Fowler admitted Liverpool were not at their best but insisted the victory mattered after a disappointing result against Fulham at the weekend. His sharpest criticism, though, was aimed at Tottenham’s approach to Cody Gakpo’s goal.

According to the former striker, everyone knows Gakpo likes to cut inside, yet Bergvall and Bentancur were “just standing there” rather than closing him down. He urged Tottenham’s players to cover more ground and make the forward’s task harder.

Spurs’ Poor Start Under De Zerbi

The exit from the Carabao Cup adds to a miserable start for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. After back-to-back 17th-placed Premier League finishes, Tottenham invested heavily over the summer to reshape the squad, including midfield arrivals Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, yet they are still without a league goal. Two points from four matches leaves them 17th in the table.

Bergvall and Bentancur Under Scrutiny

Bergvall was close to leaving in search of regular football, but Spurs kept hold of him and recently tied him to a new contract running until 2031. At 20, the midfielder has clear potential, although he does not yet look ready to perform consistently at the top level. Bentancur, meanwhile, has battled fitness issues but has featured regularly under De Zerbi this term.

Our Take on the Criticism

Fowler has a valid point about the lack of urgency. Even so, blaming two midfielders feels a touch harsh in a rotated side still finding its rhythm. Bergvall is still learning, and cup line-ups rarely offer much cohesion. The bigger concern for De Zerbi is a blank goals column in the league, which better closing down alone will not fix.