Thomas Frank facing Tottenham headache over Xavi Simons as Lucas Bergvall creates dilemma reflects a healthy problem for Spurs. In Saturday’s 3-0 win at the London Stadium, it was Bergvall — not Simons — who stole the show, scoring his first Premier League goal and adding an assist in a superb all-action display.
The 19-year-old Swede was everywhere: pressing high, driving runs forward, and timing his movement to perfection. His looping header doubled Tottenham’s lead before he set up Micky van de Ven for the third.
Frank full of praise for Bergvall
Frank was quick to highlight Bergvall’s qualities and his importance to the team’s identity:
“I really like his energy, his enthusiasm. He’s part of driving the team. There’s so much more to come from him… a fantastic goal, very impressed with him.” — Thomas Frank
Bergvall’s rise
Bergvall did not start in the defeat to Bournemouth before the international break, and Spurs noticeably lacked drive in midfield. Against West Ham, he provided exactly that — showing for the ball, breaking lines with clever runs, and pressing tirelessly.
At times, his youthful eagerness leads him to play at a frantic pace, but with maturity he will learn when to slow the tempo. For now, his energy and dynamism add a different edge to Tottenham’s midfield.
The Simons question
Simons was signed to be the creative heartbeat of Spurs’ attack, yet his muted outing at the London Stadium suggests he may need time to adapt. Deployed from the left, he struggled to influence the game, underlining why many believe his natural role is as a central playmaker in the No10 position.
Frank must now decide whether to move him centrally — which could limit Bergvall’s minutes — or persist with him wide while Bergvall continues to impress.
With Joao Palhinha anchoring midfield and Pape Matar Sarr in excellent form, Tottenham already have a strong platform. Rodrigo Bentancur is also in contention, making selection even tougher.
Analyst verdict – by John William
Frank’s midfield headache is a positive one. Bergvall has shown he is ready for regular minutes, bringing energy and directness Spurs missed last season. Simons, on the other hand, represents a long-term investment who will need patience to adapt to the Premier League.
The likely solution is rotation. Simons may be introduced gradually in central areas, while Bergvall continues to offer box-to-box energy in fixtures where Spurs can afford to be more expansive. With a busy schedule ahead, both will get chances — but Bergvall’s form makes him hard to leave out.
Key insights
- Bergvall scored and assisted in Spurs’ 3-0 win at West Ham.
- Frank praised his “energy and enthusiasm” after the game.
- Simons struggled out wide and may need a central role to thrive.
- Palhinha, Sarr and Bentancur provide a strong midfield base.
- Spurs may rotate to fit both Bergvall and Simons.
What’s next for Spurs?
Tottenham’s next fixtures will test Frank’s balancing act. The Champions League opener against Villarreal will demand technical control, where Simons may be better suited centrally. The weekend’s Premier League clash will again raise the question of whether Bergvall’s energy can be accommodated alongside him.
For now, Spurs fans can take heart that the squad boasts depth, quality, and competition — a far cry from previous seasons where injuries and inconsistency exposed a lack of options.
👉 Should Thomas Frank prioritise Simons’ development in his natural No10 role, or reward Bergvall’s form with regular starts?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 15 Sep 2025 10:18
Simons shouldn't play on the wings, he's a number 10. Dont know why Frank has putted him on the wings, this won't work. Yes, Bergvall should start
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