Joao Palhinha reveals Lucas Bergvall 'shock' as Tottenham youngster presents dilemma for Thomas Frank | OneFootball

The Portuguese midfielder has also delivered his verdict on Tottenham’s big-money summer signing Xavi Simons

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Joao Palhinha revealed he was shocked when he found out how young Tottenham team-mate Lucas Bergvall is.

That was the first time the 19-year-old has played in the competition but he looked at home and impressed his fellow midfielder.

"Top player,” Palhinha said.

“He's one of the talents that we have, he's improving a lot, growing up a lot. I saw two days ago or three days ago [that he's 19] because I thought he was a bit more older!

“It means a lot, young players that we will have not just in the present but also the future of the club. And yeah, I'm really happy to play with him and all the other players I have on the team."

Lucas Bergvall has impressed in Tottenham’s last two fixtures

Getty Images

Bergvall’s form presents Thomas Frank with a dilemma, as it means he will likely have to drop either the Swede or Pape Matar Sarr if he is to play Xavi Simons in a more central position.

Simons’ two appearances so far for Spurs have come on the left wing and he has had a relatively quiet start to life at the club.

Asked what the Dutchman will bring to the side when he is fully up to speed, Palhinha said: "A lot of quality, offensively he will bring us for sure a lot of things.

“I think in each position we have top players. I don't mean just the team that starts the games, but also the players that sometimes are not in the starting lineup. I think everyone can play and when you sign this kind of players, it's always because they will bring for sure a lot of good things.

“He’s a young talent and we will help him to improve and he will help us on the pitch to win games."

I saw two days ago or three days ago [that he's 19] because I thought he was a bit more older!

Joao Palhinha

Palhinha started on the bench against Villarreal but was brought on for the final 20 minutes and had a significant impact.

Spurs were struggling in midfield and being put under increasing pressure by the visitors before Palhinha’s introduction. The 30-year-old provided some much needed bite and stability as Spurs held on for all three points.

It is now four clean sheets in five matches for Frank's side, a stark contrast to their struggles defensively last season.

"I think we have seen the team improving and that's the main thing,” Palhinha said.

“Especially defensively, I think we have been improving a lot. I think the commitment since the first player on the front until the keeper, the commitment is always there. We know that we will have our chances so this is really important for us to keep the clean sheet. If we keep the level high on the defence, we know that we are much closer to win games.

As I said before, that's the process and it's always good to feel this environment in the team."