Sport Witness

Tottenham star Lucas Bergvall has admitted he doesn’t need criticism from the Sweden fanbase after his horror miss in the defeat to Switzerland.

Aftonbladet provide comments from the Tottenham midfielder today alongside support from plenty of his teammates.

Sweden were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland on Friday evening in what had been deemed a must-win game for their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup next summer.

It was a tense evening for them as they were booed onto the pitch by their own fans. And that ended up translating onto the pitch as the away side secured all three points.

Bergvall had been handed his chance to impress by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson with a starting place in the side. The build up in the week had been very much focused on the Tottenham youngster deserving his opportunity.

He ended up with his moment in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, though. With the score at 0-0 he was presented with a golden chance to open the scoring when Alexander Isak put him in front of an open goal. Instead, the Tottenham man got the ball caught under his feet, allowing Ricardo Rodriguez.

It proved to be a defining moment, for all the wrong reasons. And Bergvall knows there will be criticism. Not that he needs to hear it.

“I misjudge the ball. Of course I’m going to score there. I don’t know what else to say. Sometimes it bounces right, sometimes wrong,” he said.

“Yes, probably. I can’t think of anything else right now. It’s an absolute disappointment,” he added when asked if it was his worst miss ever.

“I don’t think they (the fans) need to say too much about it, I know I’ll do better.”

Fortunately, it seems his teammates have quickly forgiven him. Several came out in the Tottenham man’s defence after the game.

“He is a very all-round player, who has almost all the qualities you need. He has had a great autumn at Tottenham. We have to help each other to get the most out of each other,” said Isak.

“It’s clear that it’s an opportunity, but he will learn. He is extremely talented, and you can see the heights he has,” added Ken Sema.

“Then it’s clear that it’s a bit unlucky that he misses, it’s perhaps one of those chances you usually score on. You’re there to support him, but I think he knows exactly what he needs to improve on in the future.”

“I told him at half-time to forget about it,” concluded Roony Bardghji.

“I can imagine he’s a bit down and it’s tough, but that’s football. That’s what happens. It’s nothing that will affect him.”

HSV Hamburg are not overly concerned with Tottenham having a recall clause in Luka Vuskovic’s loan deal.

That’s according to SHZ, who say Tottenham aren’t interested in bringing the 18-year-old back if they don’t need to.

They explain that the youngster has quickly established himself as a key player since arriving in Germany. Hamburg are impressed, but there is some worry they could lose him early.

That’s because recent reports indicated that Tottenham have a recall clause for the January transfer window. That’s seen as a ‘small flaw’ in the growing love affair between the player and HSV.

According to the reports, Tottenham can recall Vuskovic if they suffer from injuries. SHZ, though, say the clause is more intricate than that.

First off, they say that none of Tottenham’s bosses ‘have any interest’ in an early end to the loan. Even if that changed, several conditions would have to be met. HSV had to ‘swallow’ the clause, but they put in multiple safeguards to protect themselves.

At least two Tottenham defenders would have to suffer ‘serious injuries’ for Vuskovic’s return to even be considered. The severity of the injuries is also important. A simple strain is not enough for the clause to be activated.

Tottenham would have to move early

Tottenham also have to inform HSV at the start of the January transfer window if they intend to use. They can’t simply activate it whenever they wish. Furthermore, MOPO report that the clause expires in the middle of January also.

There may even be financial compensation for HSV in the even of an early termination. The likelihood of the clause being used is low, though. Tottenham made it clear that they absolutely wanted Vuskovic to stay in Hamburg until the end of the season.

Relations between them and HSV are also ‘exemplary’. This was demonstrated at the end of the window when the two clubs finalised the deal quickly. Regular contact has been maintained since then. In fact, Tottenham’s loan manager has even attended games to keep an eye on the defender.

All in all, it appears HSV have nothing to worry about. The clause exists, but Tottenham aren’t interested in using it unless there’s extreme circumstances.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall was mainly used as a substitute in the league last season.

The midfielder’s situation has improved under Thomas Frank and he’s started six matches this season.

Bergvall was an unused substitute in both Sweden fixtures last month. In fact, he hasn’t made an appearance for them since November 2024, and there’s many not happy about that.

The Tottenham player recently said he isn’t letting himself become stressed by the situation. He says it’s a decision for manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Friday’s edition of Göteborgs-Posten have relayed his comments.

“There are incredibly good players who perform week in and week out in the top leagues, then it is always up to Jon who plays, but there are incredibly good players. Sometimes you play, sometimes you don’t play,” he said.

Göteborgs-Posten have also relayed comments from Anders Andersson, who represented Sweden between 1994 and 2005.

Andersson is delighted with the manner in which the 19-year-old has conducted himself.

“I have to give Lucas Bergvall an applause because I think he handled it perfectly,” he said.

Tottenham player not providing media fuel

Andersson himself experienced competition for a place. The newspaper mentioned his battle with Tobias Linderoth during Euro 2004. Anders Svensson and Kim Källström also competed for the attacking role.

This resulted in a lot of media attention, and Andersson says it didn’t help the Sweden players. He used Bergvall as an example to explain how the situation is different now.

“I think Bergvall deserves all the praise, especially now that he didn’t get to play a single minute. I didn’t see much negativity from him about it,” he added.

“It’s good that you don’t try to spread the negative mood yourself, but that you take it internally. It’s sad for the journalists, but it’s very good for the group.”

Lucas Bergvall is expected to start against Switzerland on Friday evening.

Tottenham are reportedly keeping an eye on Athletico Paranaense’s highly-rated youngster Bruninho, according to Itatiaia Esporte.

The 17-year-old midfielder is considered one of the biggest prospects in the club’s academy and has also attracted attention from Real Betis and Zenit Saint Petersburg.

The report states that representatives from Tottenham and the other two clubs have already signalled interest. They’re considering the possibility of making an early move for the teenager. Bruninho, however, will only be able to leave Brazil after turning 18, on August 16th 2026.

Athletico see the midfielder as one of their most valuable assets. They could be open to a transfer in the first half of next season, depending on his development.

The player has already trained with the senior squad. He’s expected to make his professional debut before the end of their league campaign this year.

Bruninho renewed his contract with the club at the end of September, as also reported by Itatiaia. Earlier this week, he scored in the semi-final of the Under-17 Brazilian Championship against Atlético Mineiro, despite Athletico’s elimination.

The teenager’s progress will continue to be closely followed by the Premier League side, with Tottenham among those monitoring his next steps.

Tottenham and Aston Villa remain firmly in the picture for Vasco da Gama’s highly rated forward Rayan. New reports from Brazil indicate the Rio de Janeiro club are preparing both for his potential departure, and for the possibility of keeping him longer.

According to Portuguese newspaper O Dia, the 19-year-old’s future has become the dominant topic at São Januário. The board now consider his exit before the end of the year increasingly likely. They have already set out the financial framework for a deal.

That makes it clear for Tottenham, Aston Villa and others.

Vasco are ready to open talks for offers starting at €30m (£25.7m), but sources claim a transfer could realistically be closed at €20m (£17.1m) plus another €5m (£4.3m) in performance-related bonuses.

The club privately admit that Rayan’s presence in 2026 is improbable, and they have begun planning the next season without him.

Tottenham willing to pay €30m

However, Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola has added a new twist to the story. He claims that Vasco president Pedrinho is working on a new contract renewal for Rayan. Months after his previous extension in April.

The aim is to push the deal beyond December 2026, ensuring the player cannot sign a pre-contract from July next year. Vasco also intend to raise his release clause from €40m to between €50m and €60m. They would make him one of the club’s highest earners, with wages already standing at around €85,000 per month.

This renewed push to “re-shield” the player comes amid growing European pressure. Tottenham have been monitoring him closely for months and sent scouts to Brazil earlier this year. They are now described as favourites to sign the striker.

According to Nicola, the London side are willing to go up to €30m to secure him, which would match Vasco’s price expectations. Aston Villa are also in the race.

Other clubs such as Barcelona, Chelsea, Brighton, Porto, Fiorentina, Zenit and even Nottingham Forest have been mentioned at different stages, highlighting just how wide the interest has become.

For Vasco, the situation is now a delicate balance between two strategies. Capitalising on Rayan’s soaring market value before December, or moving quickly to renew and further strengthen their control over his future.

Either way, the teenager’s rise has turned him into one of the most sought-after players in South America. Tottenham and Aston Villa are right at the heart of the chase.

Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall will soon become ‘impossible’ to bench for the Swedish national team.

That’s according to former Djurgården manager Peter Kisfaludy, speaking to Fotboll Direkt. He believes the time has come for the Tottenham man to be handed a starting role.

Bergvall has picked up where he left off with Tottenham last season, quickly establishing himself as a regular under Thomas Frank.

The Danish manager has shown faith in the youngster from day one. He’s even handing him a more attacking role than his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.

He clearly believes in the 19-year-old, something that can not be said of Jon Dahl Tomasson. He’s yet to fully invest in the midfielder for Sweden.

Instead, he appears determined to slow his integration into his team. Bergvall has made just four appearances for his country to date. He hasn’t added to that tally since November last year, when he played 24 minutes in a 6-0 win over Azerbaijan.

That’s led to some frustration in Sweden, particularly as they see him shining for Tottenham in the Premier League and Champions League. Kisfaludy is one of them, and thinks a moment is coming where Tomasson won’t have a choice.

“It is the national manager who decides, but I think many people like me feel that it will soon be impossible to keep Lucas out of the team any longer,” he said.

“He should start now considering how he is growing in both the Premier League and the Champions League and with such offensive qualities. He should start in a Swedish national team.

“Look at what he is doing in a club that is at the top of the Premier League.”

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are in the picture to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. That’s at least according to multiple claims from the Catalan media.

Earlier this week, we covered claims which stated the Red Devils and Spurs have made contact with Barcelona about a possible move in January.

Thursday’s edition of Sport backs up Manchester United and Tottenham interest in the 33-year-old, and reports what they present as the latest.

Ter Stegen underwent back surgery in July and is expected to return in January. Behind the scenes, the newspaper report Barcelona are trying to resolve his situation. His priority is to continue at the Camp Nou, but nothing can be ruled out yet.

Barca have given the Germany international freedom to decide his future, but ‘external pressure could tip the balance’. Essentially, they’re trying to force him out and there was annoyance he had that operation and swerved a transfer.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is said to be pushing the stopper to find a team where he can play regularly. That’s so that he can arrive at the next World Cup in good form and shape.

Ter Stegen is near-guaranteed to start for the national team at the World Cup if he’s fit. He has to play regularly to achieve this and it won’t be possible at Barcelona.

This situation forces him to consider a January exit, even it’s on loan. Manchester United and Tottenham are named as suitors.

Ter Stegen has no guarantee of even being fit in January

The newspaper reports ‘there is interest’ from the Premier League, where Ruben Amorim’s side and Spurs could be possible destinations. They add unnamed German clubs are willing to offer him a starting spot in the second half of the season.

Sport state: ‘This pressure from the German national team and the need for playing time pose a dilemma for Ter Stegen, who will have to make a decision in the coming weeks.’

As we pointed out earlier this week, this all appears wishful thinking from the media closest to Barcelona. There’s no guarantee either Manchester United or Tottenham will need a starting goalkeeper in January. On top of that, there’s also no guarantee Marc-André ter Stegen will even be fit to play at that time.

Neither Premier League club exist to provide a pre-World Cup finishing school for the Barcelona outcast. A likelier move, and it all depends on him getting fit, would be somewhere after a long term injury crops up.

Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall is currently away with the Sweden squad as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo. Wednesday has seen the 19-year-old’s turn to speak to the media.

His first chat was about Thomas Frank changing his position a little at Tottenham. He was also asked about Jon Dahl Tomasson appearing reluctant to give him minutes for Sweden.

In a fresh chat carried by Aftonbladet, the Tottenham player was asked about his corner routine against Brighton in September. Trying to evade his marker, the Spurs midfielder ran off the pitch around the back of the goals before returning.

He’s since been told by a referee that he could have received a yellow card for the effort. Bergvall has made clear it won’t be happening again, and explained he has no idea what inspired the effort.

Quoted by the Swedish newspaper, the Tottenham player said: “I don’t even know what I did. In retrospect I found out that I could have gotten a yellow card for it, so it probably wasn’t that smart. But now I know for the future. Some referee told me that a few games later. I was surprised, but it’s not something I’d do again.”

Yasin Ayari, his Sweden teammate, just so happened to be the marker, and Bergvall added: “Yasin was probably just surprised, not many people have done that before. I came across a good area there, but then I saw the referee blow the whistle. I could have scored there.”

It’s not something Tottenham fans will be seeing again.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall has admitted he is happy with the position change under Thomas Frank.

Dagens Nyheter have comments from the Tottenham midfielder today as he joins up with Sweden for international duty.

The 19-year-old heads into the break after a strong start to the season with Tottenham. He’s played in six of their seven Premier League games so far. Of the six league games, he’s started four times. He’s also started both Champions League games.

That’s not the case with Sweden, where he’s yet to play a minute in World Cup qualifying under Jon Dahl Tomasson.

That’s something of a surprise given his clear importance for Tottenham. New manager Thomas Frank has quickly established him in his plans.

He, though, sees the midfielder differently to his predecessor Ange Postecoglou. That’s seen the youngster put inn a more offensive role. He’s now off the mark in the Premier League after scoring in the win over West Ham.

“Continue doing what I’ve done at Tottenham”

Bergvall is happy with the move, whilst insisting he’d be happy playing anywhere in midfield that he’s needed.

“I’m comfortable with most of the roles in midfield. I’ve been playing more offensively lately and that’s where I feel best right now,” he said.

On trying to force his way in for Sweden, he said: “Sometimes you play and sometimes you sit on the bench. It’s not something I’m trying to focus on a lot right now. Now it’s a new group and new opportunities and we’re going to make it to the World Cup.”

Jon Dahl Tomasson asked the Tottenham to make more ‘vertical passes’. When pressed on that, he said: “It’s not something I really want to go into, but we have a good dialogue and we talk before and after training sessions about what I should continue to do at Tottenham and what I can continue to contribute when I get the chance in the national team.

“That’s what I’ve said now: to continue doing what I’ve done at Tottenham with my “forward runs” and getting into the box and being able to contribute there.”

USA defender Mark McKenzie has revealed Mauricio Pochettino is constantly urging him to copy Tottenham Hotspur star Cuti Romero.

AS cover comments from the defender today in which he admits they’re constantly talking about the Tottenham captain.

McKenzie is currently playing for Toulouse in Ligue 1. He is also a part of the USA squad and has been for the last five years after making his debut in 2020.

He’s yet to fully establish himself under Pochettino, missing the last international break in September entirely. He’s back, though, for this month’s fixtures against Ecuador and Australia.

That’s given him a chance to prove his worth to his coach, who needs plenty of centre-back options given he plays a system with a back three.

One player it seems he would like to have at his disposal is Romero. He’s a key player for Tottenham in the Premier League and on the international stage with World Cup holders Argentina.

Pochettino has never worked with him, leaving Tottenham before he arrived, but seemingly holds the defender in high regard. That’s if McKenzie’s comments are anything to go by.

“I think it’s about having a certain level of toughness, a certain level of aggression, when you’re on the pitch,” he said.

“At Tottenham, there’s a player like Cuti Romero. He’s a player Mauricio and I talk about constantly. It’s a balance between being a good guy off the pitch, very humble and calm, but as soon as he steps on the pitch, you feel his presence.

“He has a special aura. Any player who faces him will think it’s going to be a long day. So that’s an example of a player Mauricio and I sit down together and watch videos of.

“That’s the style he wants me to adopt. Once on the pitch, it’s about doing everything possible to benefit the team and get a win.”