Troy Deeney believes Lucas Bergvall is never in position for Tottenham Hotspur
Troy Deeney didn’t hold back when assessing Tottenham’s midfield issues on talkSPORT, zeroing in on Lucas Bergvall as a concern. While the Swedish teenager has shown promise and flashes of brilliance, Deeney argued that Spurs may be relying too heavily on a player still learning the ropes in the Premier League.
He pointed out that while Bergvall is technically gifted, he lacks the physical presence and positional awareness needed in high-intensity games—particularly in a midfield that already lacks balance and cohesion. It’s a bold take, but one that reflects growing concerns over Spurs’ midfield depth and their dependence on youth during a crucial stretch of the season.
Deeney’s assessment echoes a sentiment many Spurs fans have quietly shared. While Lucas Bergvall’s raw talent is evident, his lack of tactical maturity is beginning to show—especially in high-stakes matches. At just 18, it’s natural for him to be a work in progress, but Tottenham’s current midfield setup doesn’t offer the stability to carry his learning curve.
Instead of being allowed to grow under the radar, Bergvall has been thrust into the spotlight, and it’s exposing flaws that a more experienced midfield might’ve masked. Postecoglou’s bold youth-first approach is admirable, but without the right balance, it could be costing Spurs dearly in a season where mistakes are piling up.
Deeney’s comments strike at the heart of Tottenham’s midfield conundrum. There’s talent in the engine room, but without structure and a clear identity, it all feels chaotic. Bentancur, typically relied upon for composure and ball progression, has struggled to impose himself, often going missing in games where Spurs desperately need control. As for Bergvall, his drive and promise are clear, but the tactical discipline just isn’t there yet. Deeney is right—until Postecoglou establishes a defined holding presence and assigns clearer roles, Spurs’ midfield will remain disjointed, costing them control in big moments.
The former Striker speaking on TalkSport, explained the problem behind the youngster
“The midfield, in my opinion, can’t be sorted until we know who’s the sitting midfielder. Bentancur runs around a lot, but doesn’t get on the ball. The boy Bergvall, he’s a young kid, he just runs. I understand why fans like him, but he’s never in position, he doesn’t hold the shape, he just runs everywhere.”
Deeney is certainly justified in pointing out Lucas Bergvall’s lapses in positional awareness, but it’s important to view that critique through the lens of context. At just 19, Bergvall is still in the early stages of his development, learning the demands of top-flight football under immense scrutiny. Being thrust into a struggling Tottenham side that lacks midfield structure only compounds the challenge.
For a teenager, these growing pains are not only expected, they’re essential. While he may drift out of position at times, his energy, willingness to take responsibility, and raw talent suggest that, with guidance and experience, he could evolve into a key figure in Spurs’ midfield for years to come.
More Tottenham News
- Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘clause’ in Tottenham target’s contract; deal far from easy
- “Know better”- Redknapp offers Postecoglou advice as Tottenham risk civil war
- “Follow the club”- Postecoglou faces Tottenham jeers head on as fans make displeasure known
Ultimately, the responsibility falls squarely on Ange Postecoglou. It’s the manager’s job to instil tactical discipline and clarity, especially in young players still finding their feet. Without proper guidance and a structured role, someone like Bergvall is bound to chase the game, trying to make an impact without truly understanding how or where.
That kind of unstructured energy can be exciting, but it quickly becomes a liability if not channelled correctly. With time, experience, and the right coaching, Bergvall can undoubtedly sharpen his positional awareness, but it’s on the manager to lay that foundation.
