Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a crucial Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain tonight, seeking revenge for the disappointment of the UEFA Super Cup final in August.
Thomas Frank’s men have shown resilience in Europe so far, remaining unbeaten in their four outings, including a 0-0 draw against Monaco in October. Yet, after Sunday’s setback to Arsenal in the North London Derby, Frank faces a tactical challenge if Spurs are to claim all three points against the reigning French champions.
The recent derby saw Frank deploy a 5-4-1 formation, a defensive setup that hindered the team’s creativity and ability to link up in attack. Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha formed the midfield base, but both were far too cautious, failing to drive the ball into dangerous areas.
Tottenham managed just one pass into the final third from the duo, a statistic that reflects how limited their attacking threat was. Frank now faces a choice: revert to the tried-and-tested 4-3-3 system that has served the club well this season and allows greater freedom for attacking midfielders to influence the game.
Reintroducing a three-man midfield behind the forwards seems essential. Dropping Bentancur would free up space for Frank to field two dynamic young talents who have shown they can dictate play at this level.
Archie Gray, for instance, has demonstrated significant potential since joining from Leeds United last summer for £40 million. Despite limited appearances only six across all competitions Gray has impressed whenever called upon.
Similarly, Pape Sarr, who has started 11 of 12 matches this season, showed his quality off the bench against Arsenal by completing every pass he attempted in just 24 minutes of action. His technical ability and composure on the ball make him a strong candidate to start in Paris.
Adding Lucas Bergvall to the midfield would complete a powerful and energetic trio. The 19-year-old Swede, who arrived for just £8 million, has been thrust into senior football due to injuries across the squad, quickly racking up 60 first-team appearances.
Despite being sidelined recently with a concussion, Bergvall is ready to return to the starting eleven. He brings a box-to-box presence reminiscent of Luka Modric, as highlighted by The Athletic’s JJ Bull.
Bergvall’s stats underline his ability to influence games: he ranks among the top performers in the Premier League for dribble success, tackles, and duels won, making him the ideal partner for Gray and Sarr in a midfield that must dominate possession and drive Spurs forward.
The tactical shift back to a 4-3-3 would allow Spurs to combine defensive solidity with creative freedom. Palhinha can anchor the midfield, providing stability and shielding the defense, while Sarr and Bergvall can transition the ball quickly, link with the forwards, and support the wide players in stretching PSG’s backline.
This combination offers the energy, technical ability, and intelligence required to compete at the highest level in Europe. Given the lessons from Sunday, Frank’s decision to reinstate this trio could be decisive in Tottenham returning to winning ways.
It’s clear that the defensive-heavy approach against Arsenal stifled creativity and limited attacking options. Spurs’ front three relies heavily on service from midfield, and without players capable of both retaining and progressing the ball, the team risks becoming predictable.
Incorporating Gray, Sarr, and Bergvall would not only restore balance but also give Frank the tactical flexibility to exploit PSG’s weaknesses. Their combined skill sets dribbling, passing, tackling, and pressing allow Spurs to control the tempo while remaining a threat on the counterattack.
A cohesive midfield unit will also relieve pressure on the defense, ensuring the team can transition smoothly between attack and defense without overexposing themselves.
Given the stakes of this Champions League fixture, it is crucial for Frank to maximize his midfield’s effectiveness. By dropping Bentancur, who has struggled in recent matches, Tottenham can unleash a more dynamic and forward-thinking unit capable of both protecting the backline and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Bergvall’s Modric-like qualities, combined with Sarr’s consistency and Gray’s technical flair, provide the perfect foundation for Spurs to compete with the French champions and reclaim their momentum in Europe.
Lucas Bergvall – Premier League Stats 2025/26
| Statistic | Per 90 Minutes | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 9 | Across all competitions |
| Goals & Assists | 2 | Contribution in attacking phases |
| Pass Accuracy | 83% | Maintaining possession |
| Successful Dribbles | 2.1 | Top 4% of Premier League midfielders |
| Tackles Won | 2.8 | Ranked in top 25% among peers |
| Duels Won | 6.8 | Strong in defensive and offensive battles |
| Recoveries Made | 3.8 | Winning back possession |
| Shots Taken | 1.2 | Active in goal-scoring opportunities |
The statistics highlight why Bergvall is perfectly suited to a box-to-box role alongside Sarr and Gray. Tottenham’s midfield must drive the team forward, control possession, and contribute defensively, making this trio the ideal solution for tonight’s crucial Champions League match.
