Tottenham Hotspur beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 in Germany thanks to a Dominic Solanke penalty to book their place in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League, where they will face Bodo/Glimt.
Spurs turned on the screws and made their dominance count. The North Londoners can still salvage something from this miserable season.
Several players put in top performances from back to front to earn Spurs a place in the final four, yet one stood out for his sensational display.
Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall has been one of the bright spots of the season and continued to show tremendous development with another top outing in the engine room.
Football London gave Bergvall an 8/10 rating and praised the youngster, saying, “You have to remind yourself that he’s only 19. Nothing about the occasion got to him, and he showed a maturity beyond his years with his passing and battling.”
Bergvall has become an integral player under manager Ange Postecoglou, slaloming box-to-box and providing thrust in the centre.
The young Swede completed all three attempted dribbles and won four out of seven ground duels. He also made nine clearances and blocked two shots.
Bergvall held his own in a tough midfield battle and showed he is an exceptional talent who does not crumble under pressure.
Tottenham need to find the perfect partner for Bergvall – View
Bergvall handles the box-to-box role. However, his partner in the centre, Rodrigo Bentancur, does not give him enough protection.
Bergvall struggles with positioning and needs a natural holding midfielder beside him to break up attacks and protect the defence. Bentancur is many things, but not the steely presence Spurs need.
Signing a defensive midfielder and a perfect partner for Bergvall in midfield has to be one of the club’s priorities in the summer transfer window.
Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, one of the best in that role in the Premier League, is reportedly available, and Tottenham should be all over him. The North Londoners can also explore other options in the market.
(Stats from Sofascore)