Ange Postecoglou’s recent comments on Tottenham youngster Lucas Bergvall should spark concern for Sweden.
That’s according to journalist Tobias Hellgren for Fotboll Skanalen, who believes that the Tottenham manager simply doesn’t rate the 18-year-old.
Bergvall arrived at Tottenham in the summer after a public battle with Barcelona for his signature earlier this year.
He was immediately integrated into the first team squad for this season and has been a regular under Postecoglou so far this season, albeit largely as a substitute, with 10 appearances to his name so far.
Appearances in the Premier League have been hard to come by thanks to the competition for places in midfield at Tottenham at present, with the youngster spending the last five games sat on the bench as an unused substitute.
He did start the 3-2 loss to Galatasaray in the Europa League but was taken off in that game after 66 minutes.
Postecoglou then commented on his performance after the game, admitting Bergvall was still developing and that football at this level at his age is not easy.
Those two comments haven’t gone down well with Hellgren, who believes the Tottenham manager may not be protecting his player but instead making it obvious he simply doesn’t rate him.
“There is something else to interpret in Ange’s words as well: he is simply not convinced of Bergvall’s current ability,” he said.
“Now he has returned to the fact that the Swede has “more to learn” so many times that everyone has understood that he thinks so. Subtly, Ange probably wants to convey instead that Bergvall is not quite ready – yet – for the high-tempo, heavy metal-like football that is at the top of the Premier League.
“Bergvall received two clear clearances against Manchester United and was the first to smoke at the red card against Qarabag. Being “easy to sacrifice” is often a good indicator of how high you stand with your coach.
“We are in November, and it is far too early to start talking about a loan. On the one hand, there is value in just being in Tottenham’s environment, on the other hand there may be openings further on with injuries and suspensions.
“But the situation probably needs to start getting better for Bergvall pretty soon so that the loan discussion is not seriously brought up. Because right now his “status in the hierarchy” meter is pointing down.
“And Postecoglou’s latest outing does not suggest that a complete turnaround on that point is to be expected shortly.”
