Lucas Bergvall has revealed he is thriving under new Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank, crediting the Dane with moving him into a more advanced midfield role that suits his strengths. The 19-year-old Swedish international has been one of Spurs’ standout performers in the early stages of the 2025/26 season, featuring in 10 matches across all competitions and contributing directly to four goals.
Speaking to Dagens Nyheter while on international duty, Bergvall said his adjustment under Frank has allowed him to play “where I feel best” and develop the attacking side of his game. Having already opened his Premier League account with a goal against West Ham, the teenager is quickly becoming a key part of Tottenham’s midfield rebuild.
His progress at club level contrasts with his current standing in the Sweden setup, where he is yet to play a minute in World Cup qualifying under Jon Dahl Tomasson. That decision has surprised many observers given Bergvall’s importance at Spurs. Could Tomasson be missing a trick by not tapping into his Premier League momentum?
Thomas Frank’s tactical tweak unlocks Bergvall’s best
Under Ange Postecoglou, Bergvall was primarily used in deeper midfield roles, focusing more on distribution and pressing. Frank, however, has granted him greater license to push forward, encouraging vertical runs into the box and more direct attacking involvement.
“I’m comfortable with most of the roles in midfield. I’ve been playing more offensively lately and that’s where I feel best right now.” — Lucas Bergvall, via Dagens Nyheter
The shift has paid off. Bergvall has scored once and assisted three times already this campaign, making him one of Spurs’ most effective midfielders. His ability to carry the ball forward and link with Tottenham’s attacking trio has added variety to their play, which had sometimes looked predictable last season.
Sweden call-up frustration – but motivation remains
Despite his rise at club level, Bergvall remains on the fringes of the national team. Tomasson has so far opted against handing him minutes in World Cup qualifying, instead challenging him to improve the verticality of his passing.
“Sometimes you play and sometimes you sit on the bench. It’s not something I’m trying to focus on a lot right now,” Bergvall admitted. “Now it’s a new group and new opportunities and we’re going to make it to the World Cup.”
The teenager remains determined to translate his Spurs form into an international breakthrough, insisting he can bring the same forward runs and attacking drive to Sweden if given the chance.
Lucas Bergvall 2025/26 stats snapshot
| Stat (2025/26) | Lucas Bergvall |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | –% |
source: sofascore match data – 8 October 2025
With one goal and three assists in his first 10 matches, Bergvall is showing a level of consistency rarely seen in a teenager at a top-six Premier League club. His attacking output suggests he is ready to take on more responsibility as Spurs chase Champions League qualification.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Bergvall is the perfect example of Thomas Frank’s ability to develop young talent:
“Frank has identified Bergvall’s natural strengths and freed him from rigid positional duties. By encouraging forward runs and attacking instincts, Spurs now have a midfielder who can arrive late in the box and create chances. For Sweden, it seems only a matter of time before he gets his opportunity — his club form will make him impossible to ignore.”
The analyst added that Bergvall’s rise also reflects Tottenham’s broader strategy of trusting youth, with Frank already integrating academy and young signings into the senior squad.
Key Insights
- Bergvall credits Thomas Frank for playing him further forward.
- The 19-year-old has 1 goal and 3 assists in 10 appearances this season.
- Despite Spurs success, he has yet to feature in World Cup qualifying for Sweden.
- Tomasson wants more vertical passing from him before handing a bigger role.
- Bergvall insists he feels “best” in a more offensive role.
What’s Next for Bergvall and Spurs?
For Bergvall, the priority will be to maintain his attacking contributions as Spurs navigate a packed autumn schedule, Tottenham will play Aston Villa at home and including Champions League group games. Sustained form could see him earn his long-awaited Sweden debut in their next round of qualifiers.
For Tottenham, integrating Bergvall more centrally into their tactical plan looks to be paying off. If he continues to progress at this rate, he could cement himself as a cornerstone of Frank’s midfield for years to come — and potentially one of the Premier League’s brightest young stars.
👉 Should Lucas Bergvall already be starting for Sweden, given his impressive form at Tottenham?
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