A selection dilemma looms large for Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to face Manchester United in a high-stakes quarter-final match. With Yves Bissouma and Lucas Bergvall both fit and available, the question remains—who should get the nod in the midfield?
Tottenham Hotspur are set to welcome Manchester United to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night, with both sides battling for a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the competition.
The encounter promises to be a pulsating affair, with both teams possessing contrasting styles and quality in abundance, creating a perfect storm for an enthralling spectacle.
For Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, however, the excitement of the fixture brings with it an intriguing dilemma in the heart of the midfield.
The Australian tactician must choose between two players on starkly different trajectories: Yves Bissouma, a proven defensive stalwart experiencing a dip in form, and Lucas Bergvall, an exciting young prospect fresh off some eye-catching performances.
Bergvall has garnered attention following a brief but effective cameo against Rangers, where his introduction off the bench rejuvenated Spurs after Bissouma’s underwhelming outing.
The Swedish teenager followed this with a commanding display against Southampton, prompting whispers of whether he deserves a starting berth for such a marquee encounter.
Lucas Bergvall’s impressive form has been evident, particularly highlighted by his complete all-round performance in Tottenham’s 5-0 thrashing of Southampton.
In this game, Bergvall showcased his abilities with a near-flawless display: he completed 47 out of 48 passes, had 63 touches, completed 2 out of 4 dribbles, and delivered accurate long balls 2 out of 2 times.
Additionally, his defensive contributions were noteworthy, winning 1 out of 1 tackles, making 3 interceptions, 1 clearance, and contributing to 8 recoveries. His duel success was mixed, winning 4 and losing 5, with ground duels standing at 3 out of 7 won, and aerial duels 1 out of 2 won.
However, while Bergvall’s numbers are admirable, the level of opposition must also be considered. Southampton, currently sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table, have struggled throughout the season, and their lack of quality may have made it easier for Bergvall to shine.
Further analysis of his performances against lesser opposition reveals a pattern; his underlying numbers are strong against teams like Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar, but he struggles with duels, often losing more than he wins.
This could be a critical weakness against a team like Manchester United, where the midfield battle will be intense and unforgiving. Postecoglou will need to weigh these factors carefully when deciding whether to start Bergvall in such a high-stakes match.
| Stat | Southampton | Ferencvaros | AZ Alkmaar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 90 | 65 | 73 |
| Ground Duels Won | 3/7 (43%) | 2/8 (25%) | 5/9(56%) |
| Aerial Duels Won | 1/2 (50%) | 0/0 (0%) | 1/2(50%) |
| Total Duels Won | 4/12 (33%) | 2/8 (25%) | 6 |
| Duels Lost | 5 | 6 | 5 |
Bissouma, despite his recent inconsistencies, has a skill set that may be better suited to a high-stakes game against Manchester United.
His per 90 stats indicate a player capable of making crucial defensive contributions: 2.07 tackles won at a 65.4% success rate, 5.72 duels won at 53.4%, and 1.22 interceptions.
Bissouma’s experience and ability to win duels and make interceptions could be invaluable against United’s high-quality midfield.
In contrast, Bergvall’s per 90 stats show his potential but also highlight his struggle in duels: 2.20 tackles won at 57.1%, 9.33 duels won at 45.9%, and 2.74 interceptions.
While Lucas’ numbers indicate a capable midfielder, his lower duel success rate could be a liability against a team like Manchester United, which is known for its physical and technical prowess in the midfield.
While the appeal of Bergvall’s youthful exuberance cannot be denied, starting him in such a crucial match might expose a vulnerability Spurs can ill afford.
A closer examination of his performances reveals a recurring pattern: despite his technical proficiency and positional awareness, his duel-winning ability falls short of what will be required against the likes of Mainoo, Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes.
In a match where the midfield battle will likely determine the outcome, Tottenham need a player capable of not only maintaining possession but also disrupting United’s rhythm.
Bissouma, with his physicality and superior duel success rate, offers a more robust option. His ability to win tackles, recover possession, and impose himself physically outweighs the risk of occasional lapses in concentration.
Furthermore, the experience he brings to a stretched Tottenham side, already featuring teenage midfielder turned centre-back, Archie Gray, will be invaluable in such a pivotal fixture.
Postecoglou might also consider a tactical shift, such as pushing Pape Matar Sarr into the pivot role while deploying James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski as advanced midfielders. However, this approach would sacrifice Sarr’s strengths as a dynamic runner and box-crasher, making Bissouma’s inclusion even more logical.
Ultimately, while Bergvall’s rise is an exciting narrative, it is the Malian’s battle-tested qualities that Tottenham must rely on to counteract United’s strengths and seize control of this monumental quarter-final clash.
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