What Johan Lange said about Lucas Bergvall as Spurs heroics see Liverpool repeat

Sweden’s national team manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, has lavished praise on Tottenham Hotspur’s rising star Lucas Bergvall, following his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming international break in March.

Since making his senior debut for Sweden in January 2024 against Estonia, the 19-year-old midfielder has earned three more caps, solidifying his place in the national setup. Bergvall now has the chance to add to his growing international experience as Sweden prepares to face Luxembourg and Northern Ireland in friendly matches later this month.

Given his impressive form for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou, there is a strong possibility that Bergvall could earn his first start for his country during these fixtures.

Bergvall’s rise to prominence has been one of the standout stories of Tottenham’s season. Since securing more regular minutes in the first team from early December, the young Swede has delivered a series of commanding performances, catching the eye of fans, pundits, and his national team manager alike.

Tomasson has been particularly impressed with Bergvall’s recent contributions, including his impactful second-half appearance against Bournemouth last weekend. Coming off the bench, Bergvall played a key role in helping Spurs recover from a two-goal deficit to secure a hard-fought draw, showcasing his composure and technical ability under pressure.

Tomasson, a former Denmark international, has been effusive in his praise for Bergvall, highlighting not only the midfielder’s on-field abilities but also his attitude and mentality. “It’s incredible. It has been a tough season for Tottenham, but he has had a very good year. He has taken very good steps,” Tomasson said in an interview with Fotbollskanalen, as reported by Sport Witness.

“I like that he is very humble and wants to get better all the time. We all know that he scored an own goal against AZ, and that can happen to anyone. But the game after that, he played 45 minutes and did very well. That says a lot about his mentality.”

The Sweden boss also revealed that he has been in regular contact with Tottenham’s technical director, Johan Lange, who has provided insights into Bergvall’s development and character.

During one of their conversations, Lange shared an intriguing comparison that underscores just how remarkable Bergvall’s debut season in the Premier League has been. “I’ve spoken to Tottenham too, and they told me a story that I actually didn’t know,” Tomasson explained.

“The last player to go from a league in Scandinavia straight to the Premier League and play this much in his debut season was Daniel Agger, many years ago. That says a little about Lucas’ performance as a very young player.”

The comparison to Agger, who made a seamless transition from Danish football to Liverpool and became a mainstay in their defense, speaks volumes about Bergvall’s potential.

At just 19, Bergvall has already demonstrated the maturity, skill, and adaptability required to thrive in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. His ability to bounce back from setbacks, such as the own goal against AZ Alkmaar, further highlights his mental strength and resilience—qualities that will serve him well as he continues to develop.

Bergvall’s emergence has been a bright spot in what has been a challenging season for Tottenham. His performances have not only earned him a regular place in Postecoglou’s plans but have also made him a key figure for Sweden’s national team.

As he prepares to represent his country once again, Bergvall will be looking to build on his recent form and further establish himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.

For Tottenham, Bergvall’s rapid rise is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to shine. His journey from Scandinavian football to the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable, and the comparisons to a player of Agger’s caliber only add to the excitement surrounding his future.

As Bergvall continues to grow and develop, both Tottenham and Sweden will be hoping that he can fulfill his immense potential and become a cornerstone of their respective teams for years to come.