Tottenham Hotspur didn't score an upset win over PSG on Wednesday night in the Champions League, but they looked much more lively and like an actual, competent team against the reigning champions in a fiery 5-3 defeat that could have actually been a win if it weren't for a few sloppy, surprising defensive errors.
Randal Kolo Muani was obviously the star man for Tottenham as a whole with two goals and one assist, leading the attacking line with aplomb against his parent club as he made his strongest bid yet to be the new permanent resident at the No. 9 position at the N17.
But behind Kolo Muani were the young midfielders Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, who were welcome additions to the Tottenham starting XI in the aftermath of Sunday's North London Derby debacle. Frank had to respond with real changes to the lineup and his tactical system after such a 4-1 flop defeat to Spurs most hated rivals, and for months, Spurs supporters were clamoring for the high upside duo of Gray and Bergvall to get their shots.
Tottenham's lineup vs. Fulham should be obvious now, too
After missing a bit of time with injuries, the Swedish and English internationals stepped in and vastly upgraded the team, showing that they are both the future and present of the team - and not the slow moving tandem of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha.
Following the PSG game and with another local rival on the horizon in the Premier League in Fulham, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank simply had this to say about the young, rising double pivot of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, via The Spurs Express, when asked about them starting together in league action: "I think if you perform like they did against the European champions away from home, you're ready to start in the Premier League."
Yeah, no kidding. Gray and Bergvall were always ready to be the main options as a 6 and 8 pairing - or even as dual 8's. Bergvall is the best dribbling progressor on the team and Gray the best passing progressive midfield. Gray is everything Bentancur isn't in terms of being a passing anchor, while Bergvall brings much more attacking quality and dynamism than the highly defensive Palhinha.
If Bergvall and Gray could then prove their meddle against arguably the best midfield in European football, led by Ballon d'Or candidate Vitinha, then you had better believe they are going to be the best options for Spurs going forward and have the quality to boss a team like Fulham.