It only took a few moments for the Uruguayan to show his quality.
His first contribution was a smart turn away from trouble in the middle and his second was a cross-field pass.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was replaced by Bentancur in the 60th minute of the game at the Spurs.
The home fans were purring.
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The game would end in disappointment for Spurs, late goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Che Adams securing a dramatic 3-2 win for Saints, but Bentancur's bow augured well for what was to come.
He is living up to his promise.
Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son have both scored seven and four goals in a row for Spurs, which has helped reignite their top-four challenge.
Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski followed him from Turin to north London on the same day.
Bentancur has brought balance and control to the centre of the pitch in the absence of Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks, and has averaged more touches and passes per 90 minutes than anyone else.
Spurs have been aided by Bentancur's ability to hold onto the ball in tight spaces and his willingness to play forward when the situation demands it.
He got his first assist through a ball for Kane, but it was his pass to the same player in the lead-up to the second against West Ham that typified what he gives Spurs.
On that occasion, the assist went to Kane, the strikers subsequent feeding Son running in behind West Ham's defence, but the pass before that, played from inside the Spurs half, was classic Bentancur - and no less important in creating the opening.
He told Sky Sports in February that his main role was to start the play.
Bentancur excelled in that area but he also listedclosing down space and covering my defence if someone steps out to attack.
Those defensive duties require tactical discipline and also considerable stamina, two qualities that are vital to a manager who expects his players touffer in pursuit of victory.
Bentancur is willing to do that.
The young man has an appetite for dirty work but he is elegant on the ball.
Bentancur covered an extraordinary total of 13.1 km in the dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in February, which was the most by any player in a Premier League game this season.
Kulusevski was not far behind him on 13km, and the duo's presence at the top of the distance covered rankings highlights just one of the ways in which Conte felt they could help him.
In these two players, we found all the characteristics of the league.
Their team-mates have also been impressed.
Son said that they bring a lot of positive energy and have a great attitude.
Bentancur spent four and a half seasons at Bianconeri, helping the side win three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias.
He is only 24 years old, but he has already played 200 games.
He has great experience. He played for the national team. He has played a lot of games for the Bianconeri, and he has to show that he deserves the chance, and that he can live with the high pressure.
Bentancur has dealt with pressure before at Spurs. He hit the ground running after being thrown into a struggling side, and he seemed to adjust to a new league and new country almost immediately.
He and Kulusevski have made Spurs stronger. The transfer window which felt lackluster at the time may be remembered as a triumph if he can continue fulfilling his promise.
Sky Sports will show the game on Super Sunday at 4.30pm.
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