Lucas Bergvall Form Leaves Thomas Frank with Spurs Midfield Drama | OneFootball

Lucas Bergvall’s Rise Gives Thomas Frank Selection Dilemma at Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the season has been encouraging under Thomas Frank, with convincing wins against Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham United setting the tone. The defeat to AFC Bournemouth was a setback but overall the Danish coach has given the squad fresh energy and structure. His next test comes quickly with a UEFA Champions League opener against Villarreal on Tuesday evening. Yet the real intrigue surrounds his midfield balance, and in particular, the impact of Lucas Bergvall.

Bergvall Seizes his Chance

Xavi Simons’ £51m arrival from RB Leipzig was supposed to dominate the headlines. Instead it was Lucas Bergvall who stole the show at the London Stadium. Restored to the line-up, the 19-year-old produced a performance full of drive and maturity.

The Swede’s looping header, created by a sharp run and Cristian Romero’s precise cross, doubled Spurs’ lead against West Ham. Later he turned provider, assisting Micky van de Ven to wrap up a 3-0 win.

“I really like his energy, his enthusiasm,” Frank said after the match. “He’s part of driving the team. There’s so much more to come from him because he also sometimes needs to… he’s young, so, okay, when do I play a little bit slower? When do I play a little bit quicker? When do I get to these positions?

“But now with the energy, the pressing and running in behind, a fantastic goal, very impressed with him.”

Those words reflected exactly what Bergvall brings. He is relentless in the press, strong in duels and progressive in possession. His enthusiasm can spill into playing at too frantic a tempo, but that is a detail Frank will fine tune as the player matures.

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Why Frank Needs Bergvall

Bergvall’s absence in the loss to Bournemouth was telling. Tottenham lacked penetration and urgency in midfield, something his presence naturally restores. Always demanding the ball, deceptively strong and keen to break lines, he adds a dynamic edge that few others in the squad replicate.

For a side that often dominates possession at home, Bergvall’s willingness to stretch opponents and create gaps is invaluable. It explains why Frank already trusts him in important fixtures.

Simons Creates a Midfield Puzzle

The long-term question is where Bergvall fits once Xavi Simons is fully integrated. Spurs look solid with Joao Palhinha anchoring midfield and Pape Matar Sarr thriving alongside him. Rodrigo Bentancur adds further depth and experience.

If Simons operates in the advanced role, Bergvall could find himself competing for minutes. One option is to deploy both together in matches where Tottenham expect to control the ball. That would give Spurs more creativity but risks loosening the defensive platform that Palhinha and Sarr currently provide.

Spurs Benefit from Competition

The encouraging sign for Tottenham Hotspur is that these are positive dilemmas. Bergvall has shown he deserves regular football, while Simons will need patience and time to adapt. If both develop as expected, Frank could soon have one of the Premier League’s most balanced midfields.

For now, the teenager’s display against West Ham makes a compelling case. Bergvall has forced his manager to think hard, and that can only be good news for Spurs as they embark on a demanding season.