Tottenham Hotspur’s Struggles Continue as Europa League Hopes Remain Alive
Tottenham Hotspur’s season hangs in the balance following a disappointing defeat at Craven Cottage on Sunday, adding to a string of underwhelming performances. With just nine games remaining in the Premier League, Spurs sit in 14th place, ten points behind 10th-placed Bournemouth, making success in the domestic league highly unlikely.
However, manager Ange Postecoglou remains focused on the Europa League, a competition that offers a glimmer of hope. Tottenham secured their place in the quarter-finals with a victory over AZ Alkmaar last week, setting up a two-legged tie against Eintracht Frankfurt. Winning the tournament could not only end Spurs’ long trophy drought but also provide a pathway to next season’s Champions League.
Despite a challenging campaign marred by injuries, Postecoglou has instilled an attacking identity at Tottenham, laying the foundation for a promising future. Among the bright spots is 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall, who has quickly established himself as a key figure in the team.
Lucas Bergvall’s Rise at Tottenham
In January 2024, Tottenham secured the signing of Swedish prodigy Lucas Bergvall for £8.5 million, beating Barcelona to his signature. After finishing the 2023/24 season with Djurgården in Sweden, Bergvall joined Spurs last summer and has since made 38 appearances, contributing one goal and four assists. His rapid integration into the first team, bypassing the youth setup entirely, highlights his talent and importance to Postecoglou’s project.
Bergvall has been praised for his dribbling ability, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola describing him as "unstoppable" on the ball. According to FBref, the young midfielder ranks in the top 1% of European midfielders for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, showcasing his exceptional skill in beating opponents.
The Case for Keeping Giovani Lo Celso
While Bergvall has been a revelation, Postecoglou may regret the decision to sell Giovani Lo Celso last summer. The Argentine midfielder returned to Real Betis for £8.5 million after an inconsistent spell at Tottenham, but his performances this season suggest he could have been a valuable asset.
Lo Celso has thrived at Betis, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in 16 La Liga appearances. His all-round midfield abilities, including defensive contributions and creative passing, have been particularly impressive. As per FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top leagues for progressive passes and tackles, the top 2% for passes attempted, and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Lo Celso’s ability to control games and create chances could have eased the burden on young talents like Bergvall, providing Tottenham with much-needed depth and experience in midfield.
Tottenham’s Future Hinges on Europa League Success
As Tottenham prepare for their Europa League quarter-final, the stakes could not be higher. Winning the tournament would not only bring silverware but also secure Champions League qualification, offering a lifeline to a season that has otherwise fallen short of expectations.
While Bergvall represents a bright future, the departure of Lo Celso serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Postecoglou and Spurs. Balancing youth development with experienced leadership will be crucial as the club looks to rebuild and compete at the highest level.
The coming weeks will determine whether Tottenham can salvage their season and lay the groundwork for a more successful future.
