Spurs star just showed why he’s so “generational”

There might have been a nervy ten-minute spell in the second half, but last night’s game went about as well as it could have for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went into the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar a goal down and in the knowledge that should they fail to overturn the deficit, their season was over.

Fortunately, the North Londoners came out flying and, on another night, could have easily won by an even greater margin.

There were stand-out performances across the pitch for the hosts, including Wilson Odobert and another youngster who looks set to reach the very top.

Tottenham’s stand-out players vs AZ

Odobert moved over to the right in the starting lineup in place of Brennan Johnson last night, and to say he took his chance would be a massive understatement.

The French winger found himself in the perfect place to put away Dominic Solanke’s pass across the box in the first half to give his side the lead and then positioned himself brilliantly to do the same again in the second half, which restored their aggregate lead.

It wasn’t just his goals, though, as the former Burnley gem was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch and didn’t give the Dutch backline a moment’s rest.

The watching press were just as impressed, with football.london’s Alasdair Gold giving him a 9/10 match rating at full-time for his match-defining efforts.

Unsurprisingly, his statistics make for great reading, as in 78 minutes of action, he amassed an expected goals figure of 1.03, scored two goals, took two shots on target, completed three of four dribbles, took 50 touches and even made one interception and two tackles.

In all, it was the sort of performance that means he must now be simply undroppable for the next game, which could also be said for one of the other teenagers who started last night, a youngster who could be something truly special.

Spurs have found an undroppable star

The good news for Postecoglou is that you could make a compelling argument that the majority of last night’s starters put in performances that would make them undroppable.

However, in this instance, it was 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall who started at the base of midfield and put in what might just be his best display since moving to the club in the summer – even if he was somewhat involved in AZ’s goal.

The young Swede was absolutely everywhere on the pitch, putting out fires at one end and then popping up at the other to help progress the ball or play a lovely pass.

Gold was seriously impressed with the youngster, giving him an 8/10 on the night and describing his showing as ‘superb.’

At the same time, journalist Mitch Fretton went a step further, describing it as “generational.”

Such strong praise is more than backed up by the midfielder’s statistics, as in 84 brilliant minutes, he took 66 touches, completed 92% of his passes, played one key pass, completed 100% of his dribbles, won 100% of his duels and made five interceptions and two tackles.

Ultimately, it was a simply sublime game from the former Djurgården star and, just as with Odobert’s, one that has surely made him undroppable for the foreseeable future.

Related

The new Serge Aurier: Conte signing is becoming a “horror show” at Spurs

Spurs may have unearthed their next Serge Aurier this season.