After another brilliant win in the Europa League on Thursday night, there was only one slight concern coming away from the game and that is the fitness of Lucas Bergvall.
Bergvall shines in Europa League
Lucas Bergvall was handed another start in the Europa League by Ange Postecoglou, and the young Swedish star made the most of his opportunity.
The teenager had thus far struggled to really make an impact at Spurs, having been replaced early on in the first round of games due to Radu Dragusin’s red card drastically altering Postecoglou’s plans, and then, in the second game against Ferencvaros, it seemed Bergvall couldn’t quite find his rhythm.
This time out, though, Bergvall was in fine form and finally showed what he is capable of on the big stage. A calm, composed, and influential display saw the youngster win the decisive penalty for his team, create plenty of chances, and dominate in the middle of the park.
But, he could only make it to the 73rd minute before having to be replaced, and Bergvall appeared to be in some discomfort just before his number came up.
Postecoglou has good news on Bergvall
However, after the game, Postecoglou told the press (via Football.London) that Bergvall’s issue was nothing to worry about and that he was merely feeling a little fatigued.
He said: “He’s alright, he’s just cramping up. Again, he hasn’t played a lot. I thought both him and Archie worked awfully hard tonight and, like I said, they’re 18 and so for us it’s pretty exciting that they’re making an impact at the moment and knowing that there is so much more of them to come.
“I think these European games are a great foundation for them. It’s a different challenge and I think you see growth in them every time they go out there. Apart from tiredness, he’s ok.”
Lucas Bergvall has arrived
It may have taken a little while longer than we had hoped or predicted, but that performance last night was a real statement display from Lucas Bergvall. You can tell how hungry he is to succeed at Spurs and he clearly wants to show he is good enough for this level, and if he can keep up that kind of performance from here on out, he will thrive this season.