Lucas Bergvall’s rise at Tottenham Hotspur is becoming one of the most talked-about stories in European football.
At just nineteen, the Swedish midfielder has already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, yet his lack of opportunities with the Swedish national team has sparked growing frustration among fans and coaches alike.
His performances for Tottenham have made it increasingly difficult for Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson to justify leaving him on the bench.
Since joining Spurs in January 2024, Bergvall has adapted remarkably well to English football. Despite his age, he has already played 55 matches for the North London club, contributing two goals and seven assists.
Those numbers, impressive for a teenager, only tell part of the story. His energy, vision, and tactical awareness have made him a vital part of Tottenham’s evolving style under two very different managers.
Ange Postecoglou first used him in a deeper, controlling role, where he learned to dictate the tempo of games. Under Thomas Frank, however, Bergvall has been unleashed further up the pitch, showing his creative side and his ability to link play between midfield and attack.
The transformation has been eye-catching. Frank’s faith in him has paid off, as Bergvall continues to deliver consistent performances against some of the best teams in England and Europe.
His maturity and understanding of the game are well beyond his years. He reads situations calmly, makes smart passes, and presses with intensity.
For a player who only turned nineteen this year, his composure and confidence are rare.
Yet, despite his success in the Premier League and his experience playing in both the Champions League and Europa League, Bergvall has struggled to convince Sweden’s head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.
The midfielder has only four international caps to his name and has not featured for his country since November last year. He was excluded from the squad in March and missed the June fixtures due to an ankle injury that kept him out of Tottenham’s Europa League final in Bilbao.
Although he returned to full fitness in time for Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers last month, he was an unused substitute as his country drew 2-2 with Slovenia and then lost 2-0 to Kosovo.
This continued omission has angered many in Sweden, including Peter Kisfaludy, Bergvall’s former coach at Djurgarden and Brommapojkarna. Kisfaludy, who has known the player since he was a child, believes it is only a matter of time before Tomasson can no longer ignore him.
Speaking to Fotbolldirekt, he expressed his disbelief at Bergvall’s limited involvement. “It is the national manager who decides,” he said, “but I think many people, including me, feel that it will soon be impossible to keep Lucas out of the team any longer.
He should start now, considering how he is growing in both the Premier League and the Champions League. With such offensive qualities, he should already be in the Swedish national team.”
Kisfaludy pointed out that Bergvall’s work ethic is unmatched. “Look at what he does at a club that is at the top of the Premier League.
You have to understand that he ran 12 kilometers in Tottenham’s match against Villarreal. I don’t think anyone else in our senior national team does that. The drive he has in his running… and he’s just getting more and more powerful.”
He went on to explain what makes Bergvall such a unique talent. “If there’s something Tottenham loves about him, it’s his transition game.
He can play as both a number six and a number ten. He’s equally comfortable doing defensive work as he is driving forward with the ball.
I’m convinced that his ability to carry possession and create chances will eventually make him a high-level scorer for both club and country.”
Indeed, Bergvall’s versatility is what makes him so valuable. He can operate in multiple midfield roles shielding the defense, orchestrating play, or breaking lines with his dribbling.
His intelligence allows him to adapt to different tactical systems, and his athleticism ensures he can handle the physical demands of Premier League football.
Tottenham supporters have quickly grown fond of his relentless energy and fearless attitude, while his calmness under pressure has drawn comparisons to more experienced players.
As Sweden prepares to face Switzerland and Kosovo in their upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on whether Tomasson finally gives the young midfielder his chance.
The national team is under pressure to perform, and leaving out a player thriving at one of England’s top clubs could become increasingly hard to defend. Bergvall represents not just the future of Swedish football but also its present.
For now, he continues to impress in England, earning praise from pundits and coaches who see in him the potential to become one of Europe’s top midfielders.
Every time he steps onto the pitch for Tottenham, he strengthens his case for international recognition.
And if his current trajectory continues, it won’t be long before his name becomes a permanent fixture not just in Spurs’ lineup, but in Sweden’s starting eleven as well.
