Every single Tottenham Hotspur supporter knows that Lucas Bergvall is a special talent, and there is a reason why one of the most historic organizations in world football, FC Barcelona, were gunning so hard after the Swedish midfielder the same transfer window that Spurs signed him. And even last season, the mighty Real Madrid started to get linked to Bergvall in the transfer rumor mill.
Though he was injured before the Europa League Final took place against Manchester United, Bergvall played a pivotal role in Spurs making it that far last season and was arguably THE breakout story of the season.
So it has, therefore, been disappointing to see Tottenham's new manager Thomas Frank unable to help Bergvall take that next step forward towards true superstardom in the Premier League. Though Bergvall is only 19 years of age, the man is special, and he needs to be starting every game for Tottenham.
Thomas Frank has made some big missteps
Frank has been slow to make Bergvall a regular starter, and while that problem has been changing for the better recently, Tottenham fans are still disappointed by how little Bergvall is playing in his best role as a wrecking ball No. 8.
Ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against London rivals Crystal Palace, Thomas Frank had some high praise for Lucas Bergvall, but his praise has Tottenham Hotspur supporters scared of the midfield talent playing a role that does not really suit his development.
Here is what Frank told everyone at the press conference, via Football.London's Alasdair Gold, âLucas is very talented. I think he will end up as what we call an eight, thatâs where I think he will end, but who knows? Heâs more than capable of playing as a 10 or he can play a more midfield role from the side as he did against Liverpool. Heâs a player we can use in different roles which is hugely beneficial and important, to have that player who can run in behind, heâs very good at pressing, good on the ball and he can drive forward with the ball. Over time he will fall into a more fixed position. Itâs completely normal for a young player to play in different positions. To be that flexible is a huge boost. Look at Szoboszlai, who we all think is one of the best midfielders in the league.â
Everything Frank said here sounds benign and is all well and good, in a way, because it is true that Bergvall is a phenomenal talent and midfielder with the versatility to play in other positions. And since Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, that comparison is high praise for the Sweden star.
The problem is that we have seen Frank play his young midfielders out of position as fullbacks, and we have seen him consistently snub Bergvall either from the starting lineup entirely or from the No. 8 role miscast as a 10. And he specifically mentioned Bergvall being a 10 here. Yes, Bergvall can play other positions, but Frank is wrong about it being beneficial for him to do this - and certainly, it is not beneficial for Tottenham as a team.