100% duels won, 92% passing: 8/10 Spurs star just showed why he’s so generational

Tottenham Hotspur delivered a performance to remember last night, overcoming a nervy ten-minute spell in the second half to secure a convincing victory in their Europa League Round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar.

Heading into the second leg with a one-goal deficit, Ange Postecoglou’s side knew that anything less than a win would spell the end of their European campaign. However, the North Londoners rose to the occasion, producing a dominant display that could have easily seen them win by an even greater margin.

The match not only kept their season alive but also showcased the emergence of several young stars who are quickly becoming indispensable to the team.

One of the standout performers of the night was Wilson Odobert, who seized his opportunity to shine after being handed a starting role on the right wing in place of Brennan Johnson.

The French winger was a constant menace to the AZ Alkmaar defense, scoring two crucial goals that turned the tie in Tottenham’s favor. His first came in the first half, as he expertly positioned himself to convert Dominic Solanke’s cross.

He repeated the feat in the second half, restoring Tottenham’s aggregate lead and effectively sealing the victory. Beyond his goals, Odobert’s relentless energy and creativity kept the Dutch backline on their toes throughout his 78 minutes on the pitch.

The media was quick to praise Odobert’s performance, with football.london’s Alasdair Gold awarding him a 9/10 match rating. His statistics further underscored his impact, as he recorded an expected goals figure of 1.03, took two shots on target, completed three of four dribbles, and made one interception and two tackles. Below is a breakdown of Odobert’s impressive contributions:

Odobert’s display was so compelling that it’s hard to imagine Postecoglou leaving him out of the starting lineup for the next match. However, he wasn’t the only young talent to make a significant impact. Lucas Bergvall, the 19-year-old midfielder, also delivered a performance that hinted at his immense potential.

Starting at the base of midfield, Bergvall was a revelation, covering every blade of grass and contributing at both ends of the pitch. Despite being somewhat involved in AZ’s goal, the young Swede more than made up for it with his composure, vision, and work rate.

Gold awarded him an 8/10 rating, describing his performance as “superb,” while journalist Mitch Fretton went even further, labeling it as “generational.”

Bergvall’s statistics paint a picture of a player who was everywhere on the pitch. In 84 minutes, he took 66 touches, completed 92% of his passes, played one key pass, won all seven of his duels, and made five interceptions and two tackles. Here’s a closer look at his standout numbers:

Bergvall’s performance was nothing short of sublime, and like Odobert, he has surely cemented his place in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. His ability to control the tempo of the game, break up opposition play, and contribute to attacking moves makes him a valuable asset for Postecoglou’s side.

The victory over AZ Alkmaar was a testament to Tottenham’s depth and the quality of their young stars. Odobert and Bergvall’s performances were not just match-winning displays but also statements of intent.

They demonstrated that Tottenham’s future is in safe hands, with a new generation of talent ready to step up and deliver on the biggest stages.

As Tottenham progress in the Europa League, the emergence of these young stars adds an exciting dimension to their campaign. With Odobert’s flair and Bergvall’s composure, Postecoglou has a wealth of options at his disposal. Last night’s game was a reminder that, while the present is promising, the future looks even brighter for Tottenham Hotspur.