Tottenham Hotspur have picked up positive results in their last two games, and even though they are still one of the three teams in the Premier League relegation places, Spurs have hope they can turn things around now under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian manager has changed the midfield into one with more of a veteran presence, opting for Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher, and Rodrigo Bentancur to start together. One of the casualties has been Lucas Bergvall, the young and promising Swedish midfielder who did register an assist in one of his two bench appearances in these games.
But Bergvall did earn his benching despite the less than stellar performances of the players replacing him this season. Unfortunately, that's because Bergvall has been a disappointment himself this year, and while some of that can be pinned on the previous coaching, he has been below average since returning from his latest injury.
Lucas Bergvall has been disappointing
Even in his preferred position as a No. 8, Bergvall has struggled to get going. He isn't making as many plays on the ball as he was last season, either as a defensive ball winner or as a ball carrier when in possession. Bergvall is a wonderful footballer, but Spurs have not seen that game breaking talent this season.
And credit to Roberto De Zerbi for doing the right thing with Lucas Bergvall, even though it wasn't easy. He, based on form, has not been the best man for the job, and with Gallagher actually playing well, that will stay the case.
The thing is, nothing about Bergvall changes long term. He is still one of the most talented players on Tottenham Hotspur and 100 percent someone worth believing in over the long term. This is a guy who can change the complexion of games with his athleticisim, explosivness, and willingness to make plays, and we are still seeing those positive traits off the bench.
Bergvall can work his way back into the starting lineup, but in a relegation fight, De Zerbi is leaning on his veterans, and they are not failing him. So he won't make chances in the spirit of generating some real continuity, which has not been the case for Spurs this season - and the injuries have not helped in that regard at all.
Although Bergvall has not been at his best over the past month or so, that does not diminish what he can bring to the table in the future. We have seen him play at a high level before, and that will resume again one day.
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