Swedish media ruthlessly reacts to Tottenham ace Lucas Bergvall plays for Sweden in win over Azerbaijan

Tottenham Hotspur’s young midfielder, Lucas Bergvall, continues to make headlines as he steps onto the international stage, representing Sweden in the UEFA Nations League.

Despite being a recent addition to the Spurs squad, Bergvall’s performances are already under scrutiny, and while his latest outing for Sweden may not have been his most impactful, his potential remains undeniable.

Lucas Bergvall joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2024, transferring from Swedish club Djurgarden. His move to North London was part of Tottenham’s strategy to secure young, promising talents who can contribute to the club’s long-term success.

Bergvall, a dynamic midfielder, quickly adapted to life in England, showing glimpses of the quality that convinced Spurs to invest in his future.

On Thursday evening, Lucas Bergvall featured for Sweden in their UEFA Nations League victory against Azerbaijan. The match, held in Baku, saw Sweden secure a 3-1 win, with Bergvall coming on as a substitute in the 72nd minute. Replacing debutant Alex Douglas, Bergvall had a chance to showcase his skills on the international stage.

However, while Bergvall’s appearance marked his second cap for Sweden, his performance was met with mixed reviews. Despite his evident enthusiasm and effort, he struggled to leave a significant mark on the game during his limited time on the pitch.

Following Sweden’s victory, several Swedish media outlets shared their assessments of Lucas Bergvall’s performance. The reviews were lukewarm, reflecting the challenges Bergvall faced during the match.

Fotbollskanalen, a prominent Swedish football media outlet, commented on Bergvall’s performance, stating, “Tried to deal with the ball and be fearless. Failed at everything. Didn’t accomplish much.” This critique highlights the difficulties Bergvall encountered in attempting to assert himself in a high-stakes international match.

Similarly, Svenska Fans gave Bergvall a rating of 2 out of 5, noting, “Wanted to do a lot but didn’t have time to get everything out. Alert.” This evaluation underscores the ambition Bergvall displayed, even if his efforts didn’t fully translate into effective play on the field.

Swedish journalist Erik Niva, writing for Aftonbladet, responded to a fan’s question regarding Bergvall’s suitability for the central midfield role, a position he occupied during the match.

Niva’s response provided a nuanced perspective on Bergvall’s challenges, stating, “It’s quite a lot like the central midfield role in this model, isn’t it? Otherwise, we’ll need to adjust the weighting unless he ends up stepping into Alexander Isak’s role.”

Niva’s comments suggest that Bergvall’s current role may require adjustment, or perhaps a different tactical approach, to fully harness his abilities. As a young player still finding his footing in both club and international football, Bergvall’s development will likely involve experimentation with different positions and responsibilities on the pitch.

Despite the mixed reviews of his performance against Azerbaijan, Lucas Bergvall has received strong support from his Tottenham and Sweden teammate, Dejan Kulusevski.

A few days before the match, Kulusevski spoke highly of Bergvall’s attitude and potential, emphasizing the young midfielder’s dedication and hard work in training.

“He has been fantastic,” Kulusevski said in an interview with football.london. “He has come in and he’s doing really good every day, training hard and learning from the other players. I’m happy for him, and I’m happy that I can bring him to the national team with me.”

Kulusevski’s praise is significant, as it reflects the high regard in which Bergvall is held by his more experienced peers. When asked about Bergvall’s potential impact on the Swedish national team, Kulusevski responded, “Huge. He’s very young, but I think he can help us already from [Monday], so I’m happy that he’s going to be there. Of course, he’s young, but we’ll be there to guide him and help him.”

As Lucas Bergvall continues to develop both at Tottenham Hotspur and on the international stage, his journey will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.

His recent performance for Sweden may not have been his most impressive, but it’s important to remember that Bergvall is still at the beginning of his career. With the right guidance and opportunities, he has the potential to become a key player for both club and country.

Tottenham Hotspur’s investment in Bergvall is a testament to their belief in his abilities, and as he gains more experience, the young midfielder is likely to grow in confidence and effectiveness.

The support from teammates like Dejan Kulusevski will be crucial in helping Bergvall navigate the challenges of professional football, both in the Premier League and on the international stage.