Thomas Frank compares Lucas Bergvall to Liverpool star as Tottenham future mapped out | OneFootball

Teenage star is growing into a valuable, versatile asset for Spurs

Bergvall is typically a more box-to-box midfielder, but has been used in a variety of positions as Frank tries to settle on a midfield combination that provides both stability and energy.

Against Liverpool, the Swedish midfielder was more advanced, leading the press and making runs in behind to try and stretch the reigning Premier League champions.

Spurs have looked one-dimensional under Frank, with their lack of movement making it easy for opposition defenders to stifle their attack, but Bergvall provides a youthful unpredictability.

“I think Lucas is very talented. I think he will end as what we call an eight, in my opinion, that’s where I think he will end, but who knows?,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference.

Look at Szbozslai, one of the best midfielders in the league ... they both have fantastic running power, and drive with the ball

Thomas Frank on Lucas Bergvall

“I think he’s more than capable of playing as a No10, for example, or he can play a more midfield role from the side as he did against Liverpool.”

The 19-year-old, who rose to prominence under Ange Postecoglou last season, scored his first Premier League goal in September with a superb headed finish that looped over goalkeeper Mads Hermansen after being expertly picked out by Cristian Romero.

Bergvall’s goal, a rare piece of ingenuity and understanding from open play, is exactly the sort of move Frank wants to repeat as he tries to set out an identity for his Spurs side.

An innate understanding of when and where to run in order to stretch the pitch and create chances is something Frank is trying to work on with his players, but in Bergvall, he has someone for whom that anticipation of space comes naturally.

“I think he’s a player we can use in different roles, which I think is hugely beneficial and hugely important, to have that player who can run in behind, he’s very good at pressing, he’s good on the ball, he can drive forward with the ball,” Frank continued.

“You need different types. For example, against Liverpool, they came with five midfielders, so he moved in ahead of the extra midfielder.

“The way he defended for the first 30 minutes was a big reason why I felt we were slightly on top in those 30 minutes. I think it’s a big reason for that, instead of playing with two main wingers.

“To have a player like him who can be that flexible is very important.”

Lucas Bergvall and Dominik Szoboszlai

Getty Images

Bergvall is still a teenager and has been in and out of the side under Frank, starting eight of Spurs’ 17 league games this season.

His versatility, though, makes him a useful option at a time when Frank is still trying to settle on his best XI amidst a difficult start to his tenure.

“Over time he will fall into a more fixed position,” Frank said. “It’s completely normal for a young player to play in different positions.”

The Dane is a huge admirer of Bergvall, as too Archie Gray, another teenager battling for a place in Spurs’ midfield.

Such, though, is Frank’s admiration for Bergvall, in particular, he has likened the youngster to Hungary captain Szbozslai, whose performances at right-back and across Liverpool’s midfield have earmarked him as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Frank said: “To be that flexible is a huge boost. Look at Szbozslai, who we all think is one of the best midfielders in the league. He’s playing 10, 8, 6, right-back, right-winger, 9, centre-back… maybe not a No9 and centre-back, but he played all the other roles.

“That’s maybe the one (player most similar to Bergvall), because both have fantastic running power, and both drive with the ball.

“I don’t know Szbozslai, it looks from the outside like he’s a good personality. Lucas is a great personality and a great character. He’s a big part of the future we try to create here.”