A year at Tottenham: Analyzing Steven Bergwijn’s contribution
By Gary Pearson
Has Steven Bergwijn measured up to expectations at Tottenham since arriving from PSV Eindhoven a year ago?
Bergwijn, akin to Tanguy Ndombele, enjoyed a dream start in north London. He scored a fantastic goal on his debut for Spurs, helping his new club to a memorable 2-0 win over Manchester City. While scoring on your debut is one thing, it was the confidence and swagger Bergwijn played with that caught supporters’ attention.
Bergwijn had from the off set the bar extremely high. But just like Ndombele, Bergwijn was unable to maintain the otherworldly form he began his Spurs career with. The Dutchman has managed just two goals in 25 appearances since his opener against City.
His lack of goal contribution, however, doesn’t tell the whole story. While never really a prolific scorer, Bergwijn netted at a much higher rate at PSV. He scored 29 goals in 84 starts with the Dutch club, an overall return of .35 goals per match. A higher goal return in his native Holland comes as no surprise, particularly considering the comparatively inferior defences in Eredivisie.
Bergwijn, though, makes a valiant attempt to make up for his lack of goals in other areas. A quintessentially Jose Mourinho-type player, Bergwijn works his socks off for the collective. He tracks back, defends staunchly and commits wholly to the cause.
Those intangible characteristics help offset his conspicuous lack of goals. But he’s only managed to add three assists to his goal tally, begging the question of whether he was worth the £25 million Spurs shelled out to land his services.
It’s still too early to tell.
Bergwijn, who is only 23 years old, has time on his side. Lately he’s been getting into great scoring positions, but the Dutchman must locate the killer instinct so distinctly missing from his locker.
While he is committing a hearty effort to Spurs’ cause, working hard, tracking back and playing sound defensive football aren’t enough for such a highly touted offensive player. His first year at Tottenham Hotspur earns him a grade of B-, which is on the verge of being downgraded to a C+.
dark. Next. Three areas of opportunity for Tottenham
With a few goals that ranking can easily improve to a B+.
Hopefully the youngster finds his scoring touch soon, as Tottenham need him to contribute with goals and assists to improve their chances of winning the Premier League.