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Thomas Frank has lavished praise on a Tottenham youngster, admitting that his versatility is a huge boost to the Lilywhites.
While Spurs may not boast as many world-class players in their squad as they did a few years ago, they have some top young talents who could evolve into world-class performers.
One of those is undoubtedly Lucas Bergvall, who is already reported to be on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
The Swede has been described as the future of the Tottenham midfield, and one of his qualities, in particular, has impressed the Spurs boss.
Thomas Frank highlights versatility Lucas Bergvall offers Tottenham
Frank believes that the 19-year-old will eventually evolve into a box-to-box midfielder, claiming that the youngster has very few weaknesses in his game.
He suggested that Sweden international’s versatility makes him a very valuable option to have in the squad.
When asked about Bergvall, Frank told Football.London: “Lucas is very talented. I think he will end up as what we call an eight, that’s where I think he will end, but who knows? He’s more than capable of playing as a 10, or he can play a more midfield role from the side, as he did against Liverpool.
“He’s a player we can use in different roles, which is hugely beneficial and important, to have that player who can run in behind, he’s very good at pressing, good on the ball, and he can drive forward with the ball.
“You need different types. For example, against Liverpool, they came in with five midfielders, so he moved in ahead of the extra midfielder. The way he defended for the first half hour was a big reason why I felt we were slightly on top in those 30 minutes. It was a big reason for doing that instead of playing with the two main wingers.”
Frank likens Bergvall to Liverpool star
Legends such as Glenn Hoddle have tipped Bergvall to have a big future at Spurs, and Frank has now compared him with one of the best midfielders across the Premier League.
The Dane admitted that Bergvall is very similar to Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai in terms of attributes.
Frank added: “To have a player like Lucas who can be that flexible is very important. Over time he will fall into a more fixed position. It’s completely normal for a young player to play in different positions.
“To be that flexible is a huge boost. Look at Szoboszlai, who we all think is one of the best midfielders in the league. He’s playing 10, eight, six, right-back, right-winger, nine, centre-back… maybe not nine and centre-back, but he played all the other roles! It’s very important to have a player like that.”
When asked if Bergvall reminds him of the Hungarian, the 52-year-old responded: “That’s maybe the one, as you asked me and I’m on the spot here, because both have fantastic running power and both drive with the ball. I don’t know Szoboszlai, it looks from the outside like he’s a good personality. Lucas is a great personality and a great character. He’s a big part of the future we are trying to create here.”
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