Ange must now ruthlessly drop Son & unleash “very complete” Spurs star instead v Wolves

Tottenham Hotspur’s poor December form persisted with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Boxing Day. This loss marked their sixth failure to secure a victory this month, with their only wins coming against Southampton and Manchester United in a dramatic Carabao Cup match.

Despite dominating possession with 70% of the ball, Spurs failed to penetrate Forest’s resilient defense, allowing Anthony Elanga to score the decisive goal.

While several players underperformed, one standout disappointment was captain Son Heung-Min, whose form this season has been inconsistent despite decent overall statistics.

Son Heung-Min’s Performance Against Forest

Son Heung-Min, Tottenham’s captain, has had a challenging season. At 32, the South Korean international is no longer producing the same explosive impact as in previous years. However, he still boasts a respectable tally of five goals and six assists in 14 Premier League appearances.

Notably, he delivered an impressive performance in the 5-0 win over Southampton earlier this month, contributing a goal and two assists, as well as scoring twice in the 4-0 victory over Everton at the start of the season.

Against Nottingham Forest, though, Son struggled to influence the game meaningfully. Despite recording 53 touches and creating three chances, his overall contribution lacked sharpness and decisiveness. Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold rated his performance a disappointing 4/10, describing it as “hesitant and ineffective.”

This lackluster display raises questions about Son’s starting position. Manager Ange Postecoglou faces a tough decision as Spurs aim to recover from their slump. Dropping Son for their next match against Wolverhampton Wanderers might be a bold but necessary step to reinvigorate the team.

Lucas Bergvall: A Potential Solution

One bright spot from the Boxing Day defeat was the promising cameo of 18-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Although Bergvall has had limited opportunities this season—accumulating just 221 minutes in the Premier League—his 26-minute appearance against Forest showcased his potential. Gold praised the youngster’s performance, giving him a 6/10 and describing it as a “neat cameo.”

During his brief time on the pitch, Bergvall demonstrated composure and creativity, recording 32 touches and an impressive 92% pass accuracy. His contributions hinted at a player ready to take on a more prominent role.

Bergvall has also shone in European competitions this season. His performance in the 1-0 Europa League win against AZ Alkmaar highlighted his capabilities. According to Sofascore, he had 50 touches, completed 91% of his passes, and created a big chance.

These statistics highlight Bergvall’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him a compelling option for Postecoglou to consider against Wolves.

Including Bergvall in the starting lineup would necessitate tactical adjustments. As a creative midfielder who thrives in central areas, his inclusion could push Dejan Kulusevski to a wide position, possibly on the right wing, while Brennan Johnson shifts to the left. This reshuffle could provide Tottenham with fresh attacking options and help unlock Wolves’ defense.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson once described Bergvall as a “very complete” player, a testament to his versatility and potential. Starting him would demonstrate Postecoglou’s willingness to trust youth and make bold decisions during a challenging period.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, under new manager Vitor Pereira, have been in excellent form, securing two consecutive victories. Facing an in-form Wolves side will be no easy task for Tottenham, especially given their current struggles. However, shaking up the starting lineup and giving Bergvall a chance could inject much-needed energy and creativity into the team.

For Spurs, this match represents an opportunity to turn their season around and regain momentum. While the decision to drop a seasoned player like Son in favor of an emerging talent like Bergvall carries risks, it may also provide the spark Tottenham needs to return to winning ways.