Thomas Frank compares Lucas Bergvall to Szoboszlai as Spurs plan future

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has mapped out a clear long-term vision for teenage midfielder Lucas Bergvall, comparing the Swede’s versatility and running power to Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai.

Bergvall is expected to reprise his role as a No10 when Spurs face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Xavi Simons beginning a three-match suspension following his dismissal against Liverpool. While the 19-year-old is naturally more comfortable as a box-to-box midfielder, Frank believes his adaptability makes him a key part of Tottenham’s evolving identity.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Frank explained where he ultimately sees Bergvall settling — while keeping the door open to continued positional flexibility.

“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.

“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.”

Against the reigning champions, Bergvall was deployed higher up the pitch, leading the press and making aggressive runs in behind to stretch Liverpool’s back line. That movement has been noticeably lacking at times in Spurs’ attack this season — something Bergvall naturally provides.

Frank went further by likening Bergvall’s skill set to that of Dominik Szoboszlai, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders.

“To be that flexible is a huge boost,” Frank said. “Look at Szoboszlai, who we all think is one of the best midfielders in the league.

“He’s played 10, 8, 6, right-back, right-winger… maybe not centre-back, but he’s played all the other roles. That’s maybe the one most similar to Bergvall, because both have fantastic running power and both drive with the ball.”

Frank also pointed to personality as a key similarity.

“I don’t know Szoboszlai personally, but it looks like he’s a good personality. Lucas is a great personality and a great character. He’s a big part of the future we are trying to create here.”

Bergvall rose to prominence last season under Ange Postecoglou and has already shown flashes of quality in Frank’s Spurs side. His first Premier League goal — a looping header in September after being expertly picked out by Cristian Romero — remains one of Tottenham’s few moments of true ingenuity from open play this campaign.

That instinctive understanding of space is something Frank is keen to develop across his squad, but in Bergvall’s case, it comes naturally.

“He’s very good at pressing, good on the ball, he can drive forward,” Frank explained. “You need different types. 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 we were slightly on top.”

Despite Frank’s admiration, Bergvall’s minutes have been managed carefully. He has started eight of Spurs’ 17 Premier League matches this season, rotating in and out of the side as the Dane searches for balance during a difficult early spell in charge.

“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.”

Alongside Archie Gray, Bergvall represents a core part of Tottenham’s long-term midfield rebuild — one built on energy, intelligence and flexibility rather than rigid roles.

With Simons suspended and Tottenham searching for attacking fluidity, Bergvall’s role could grow over the coming weeks. Frank’s challenge is balancing short-term results with long-term development — and Bergvall appears central to both aims.

If his adaptability continues to translate into influence on matches, Spurs may already have one of the most complete young midfielders in the league on their hands.

Is Lucas Bergvall Tottenham’s future midfield leader — or does he still need time to find his best position?