Lucas Bergvall has featured regularly for Tottenham Hotspur this season. He’s played 547 minutes from 10 matches, scoring a goal and registering three assists.
The midfielder’s performances for Tottenham helped him return to the Sweden squad for September and October’s fixtures.
Last month, Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson left the 19-year-old on the bench and there’d been pressure to use him. The Tottenham player started the national team’s defeats to Switzerland last week and Kosovo on Monday.
Bergvall was on the pitch for 45 minutes in Sweden’s 1-0 loss yesterday. Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga replaced him after the break against Kosovo.
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s decision to substitute the Tottenham youngster came as a surprise in Sweden. After the match, Sportbladet had a chat with him to discuss a few topics.
Bergvall was specifically asked whether his substitution was due to any injury concern. Responding to that, he said: “No, I was completely healthy.”
The Spurs man says he was disappointed but understands why the national team coach didn’t give an explanation.
“Yes, of course [disappointed]. I feel fit, but you have to respect it. No [didn’t receive an explanation], but it’s difficult to take it at half-time,” Bergvall explained.
Another report from Sportbladet explains the manager didn’t confirm Sweden’s starting XI until two hours before the kick-off against Kosovo. This is probably because the team for Switzerland was leaked on lunchtime of the match-day.
Bergvall suggests it’s ‘unusual for players’ but Jon Dahl Tomasson’s decision didn’t impact him.
“It may have happened at some point [during my career] but I don’t know why it happened now,” he added.
“It doesn’t have that big of an impact on me, but I can’t speak for everyone else.”