Steven Bergwijn Central to Tottenham Game Plan Against Man City

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Manchester City’s English defender Kyle Walker (L) vies with Tottenham Hotspur’s Steven Bergwijn, on November 21, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Bergwijn on Defense Against City

Normally, Tottenham use their wings on defense to help with their press. However, in a match like Saturday where Spurs sat much deeper than usual in anticipation of City’s ball dominance Bergwijn’s role was a bit different. Sure, Steven pushed wide to help defend the fullback coming up the line, as he should, but he also often pinched just a bit more central in the first half, to keep tabs on Kevin De Bruyne.

It may have been overlooked, but it was Son on the right today and Bergwijn on the left. This was intentional as the Dutchman sat deeper than the South Korean to provide that additional support to Sergio Reguilón and Pierre Højbjerg on De Bruyne. The idea was to cut the spaces to get the ball to De Bruyne by surrounding him with the three Spurs in striking distance at any time.

Bergwijn had three clearances, which certainly helped, but him making tackles was not the point. The concept was to deny the ball in to De Bruyne and keep the ball in front of them with the City defense. Considering De Bruyne had only the sixth most touches on the team, I would say the plan worked well, particularly in the first half.

In the second half, Bergwijn and Ndombele did switch and Bergwijn’s defensive contributions came more in the form of his offensive threat over the top. With the two late long balls to end the first half and then the position change to be closer in his link-up with Kane; City had to respond, and it slowed the pace of their attack.

Steven Bergwijn came off the pitch at 73 minutes, he could do so knowing he did his part to perfection, helping the offensive click just enough and doing some tough tactical defending to keep the lead. Instead of Bale coming on for the last quarter hour for Bergwijn, this time it was Lucas Moura, demonstrating just how much business Mourinho thought was left in the match. The substitution was also a tip of the cap to Bergwijn’s defensive performance, which required the Brazilian’s energy to maintain. While Steven Bergwijn did not score today or get an assist, he did is part, which will be big in the weeks and months ahead for Tottenham Hotspur.