Latest news with #Bergvall
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Premier League 2024-25 review: young players of the season
It was tempting to exclude Bergvall from consideration for this list simply because he played in Spurs' 4-0 League Cup semi-final defeat at Anfield, as cowardly a display as could possibly exist. Overall, though, he's enjoyed a fine debut season, especially as, when he joined Spurs from Djurgården, there was little sense he'd establish himself so soon. But with a little help from injuries and incompetence, he forced his way into consideration and is now a fixture in Ange Postecoglou's starting XI – with good reason. In this era of attacking and defensive prefixes, Bergvall is that rarity: a midfielder who plays in the middle of the field. Clever enough to create, calm enough to score, physical enough to tackle and athletic enough to harry, perhaps his best quality is his decision-making, especially notable for a player of his age. If he continues improving, this will not be the last time his name makes a list of this ilk. These days, every footballer has feet – even the big lads and the goalies. But to find a centre-back with feet and fundamentals is as rare as it ever was, all the more so in one so young. There's a reason players in Huijsen's position take longer to break through: more than any other, it needs to be learned, because attackers are unpredictable and working in a unit is difficult, with intellect as important as instinct. Huijsen, though, is not only big and quick but a front-foot defender who supports the press and reads the game well enough to nick the ball off opposing attackers. It is a shame but no great surprise that he has attracted the attention of richer clubs than Bournemouth, nor that he has plumped for Real Madrid and Real Madrid have plumped for him: his style of play looks an ideal fit for the style newly-arrived Xabi Alonso will seek to inculcate. A red-meat, iron-rich cuboid, Kerkez is nails in defence and enterprising in attack. Playing for Andoni Iraola is not easily done, and he is one of the players who makes a demanding method work: when the opposition are in possession, Bournemouth like to surround them on the ball-side even if they leave the big switch open, and Kerkez is a big reason why, a one-man left flank able – both mentally and physically – to deal with being left alone. Though Iraola is wedded to a system, within it there is scope for improvisation with 'drive the ball' one of his favourite phrases to describe what he wants from his players. And this is another area in which Kerkez excels: he is fast and strong but also skilful and intelligent, able to cover ground then produce something worthwhile at the end of the, er, action. No aspect of facing him looks pleasant. Anyone who knows anything about age-group football knew Lewis-Skelly was coming and yet, assessing his debut season as a first-teamer, he has confounded expectations nevertheless. Young players breaking through are often forced into positions that are not their favourite and Lewis-Skelly is one such, excelling at left-back while also inverting into his more natural midfield role. Like Bukayo Saka, who broke into the Arsenal team in the same role, Lewis-Skelly has a football brain of fearsome agility, his confidence in it and in himself equal parts inspiring and affirming. Because he knows exactly how good he is and that the game is as fun as it is serious, he oozes confidence and attitude, regardless of who he's playing with or against – just ask Manchester City or Real Madrid. And, in the meantime, his mother, through her organisation is helping other parents safely navigate football's shark-infested waters. Lewis-Skelly is a potential superstar. Even before joining Manchester United, Yoro had a reputation as the best young centre-back in world football, but looked anything but when ravaged by Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana in January. Yoro, though – who arrived at Old Trafford with his own personal coach – studied his performance, learned from his mistakes, and hasn't been caught like that since. His physical qualities are obvious – an obelisk on skates, he is strong, tall and fast with seemingly extendable legs – so too his mental attributes and he has the composure to make correct decisions in difficult circumstances and the calmness to not to get caught up in the maelstrom of elite-level sport. But what sets him apart is his timing, particularly when tackling in the penalty area: he doesn't just win the ball, he confiscates it. In recent weeks, this sense has been put to increasing offensive use: Yoro is now exploiting the playmaking freedom Ruben Amorim gives his outside centre-backs. Starting by fizzing low, line-breaking, Roy Keane passes – there are few higher compliments – as his confidence grew he began driving forward with the ball, beating men and creating openings. Of course, it is impossible to rule out the possibility United ruin him, but for now, he is every bit as good as everyone said he was.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Premier League 2024-25 review: young players of the season
Lucas Bergvall, 19 (Tottenham) It was tempting to exclude Bergvall from consideration for this list simply because he played in Spurs' 4-0 League Cup semi-final defeat at Anfield, as cowardly a display as could possibly exist. Overall, though, he's enjoyed a fine debut season, especially as, when he joined Spurs from Djurgården, there was little sense he'd establish himself so soon. But with a little help from injuries and incompetence, he forced his way into consideration and is now a fixture in Ange Postecoglou's starting XI – with good reason. In this era of attacking and defensive prefixes, Bergvall is that rarity: a midfielder who plays in the middle of the field. Clever enough to create, calm enough to score, physical enough to tackle and athletic enough to harry, perhaps his best quality is his decision-making, especially notable for a player of his age. If he continues improving, this will not be the last time his name makes a list of this ilk. Dean Huijsen, 20 (Bournemouth) These days, every footballer has feet – even the big lads and the goalies. But to find a centre-back with feet and fundamentals is as rare as it ever was, all the more so in one so young. There's a reason players in Huijsen's position take longer to break through: more than any other, it needs to be learned, because attackers are unpredictable and working in a unit is difficult, with intellect as important as instinct. Huijsen, though, is not only big and quick but a front-foot defender who supports the press and reads the game well enough to nick the ball off opposing attackers. It is a shame but no great surprise that he has attracted the attention of richer clubs than Bournemouth, nor that he has plumped for Real Madrid and Real Madrid have plumped for him: his style of play looks an ideal fit for the style newly-arrived Xabi Alonso will seek to inculcate. Milos Kerkez, 21 (Bournemouth) A red-meat, iron-rich cuboid, Kerkez is nails in defence and enterprising in attack. Playing for Andoni Iraola is not easily done, and he is one of the players who makes a demanding method work: when the opposition are in possession, Bournemouth like to surround them on the ball-side even if they leave the big switch open, and Kerkez is a big reason why, a one-man left flank able – both mentally and physically – to deal with being left alone. Though Iraola is wedded to a system, within it there is scope for improvisation with 'drive the ball' one of his favourite phrases to describe what he wants from his players. And this is another area in which Kerkez excels: he is fast and strong but also skilful and intelligent, able to cover ground then produce something worthwhile at the end of the, er, action. No aspect of facing him looks pleasant. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18 (Arsenal) Anyone who knows anything about age-group football knew Lewis-Skelly was coming and yet, assessing his debut season as a first-teamer, he has confounded expectations nevertheless. Young players breaking through are often forced into positions that are not their favourite and Lewis-Skelly is one such, excelling at left-back while also inverting into his more natural midfield role. Like Bukayo Saka, who broke into the Arsenal team in the same role, Lewis-Skelly has a football brain of fearsome agility, his confidence in it and in himself equal parts inspiring and affirming. Because he knows exactly how good he is and that the game is as fun as it is serious, he oozes confidence and attitude, regardless of who he's playing with or against – just ask Manchester City or Real Madrid. And, in the meantime, his mother, through her organisation is helping other parents safely navigate football's shark-infested waters. Lewis-Skelly is a potential superstar. Leny Yoro, 19 (Manchester United) Even before joining Manchester United, Yoro had a reputation as the best young centre-back in world football, but looked anything but when ravaged by Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana in January. Yoro, though – who arrived at Old Trafford with his own personal coach – studied his performance, learned from his mistakes, and hasn't been caught like that since. His physical qualities are obvious – an obelisk on skates, he is strong, tall and fast with seemingly extendable legs – so too his mental attributes and he has the composure to make correct decisions in difficult circumstances and the calmness to not to get caught up in the maelstrom of elite-level sport. But what sets him apart is his timing, particularly when tackling in the penalty area: he doesn't just win the ball, he confiscates it. In recent weeks, this sense has been put to increasing offensive use: Yoro is now exploiting the playmaking freedom Ruben Amorim gives his outside centre-backs. Starting by fizzing low, line-breaking, Roy Keane passes – there are few higher compliments – as his confidence grew he began driving forward with the ball, beating men and creating openings. Of course, it is impossible to rule out the possibility United ruin him, but for now, he is every bit as good as everyone said he was.
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Premier League 2024-25 review: young players of the season
It was tempting to exclude Bergvall from consideration for this list simply because he played in Spurs' 4-0 League Cup semi-final defeat at Anfield, as cowardly a display as could possibly exist. Overall, though, he's enjoyed a fine debut season, especially as, when he joined Spurs from Djurgården, there was little sense he'd establish himself so soon. But with a little help from injuries and incompetence, he forced his way into consideration and is now a fixture in Ange Postecoglou's starting XI – with good reason. In this era of attacking and defensive prefixes, Bergvall is that rarity: a midfielder who plays in the middle of the field. Clever enough to create, calm enough to score, physical enough to tackle and athletic enough to harry, perhaps his best quality is his decision-making, especially notable for a player of his age. If he continues improving, this will not be the last time his name makes a list of this ilk. These days, every footballer has feet – even the big lads and the goalies. But to find a centre-back with feet and fundamentals is as rare as it ever was, all the more so in one so young. There's a reason players in Huijsen's position take longer to break through: more than any other, it needs to be learned, because attackers are unpredictable and working in a unit is difficult, with intellect as important as instinct. Huijsen, though, is not only big and quick but a front-foot defender who supports the press and reads the game well enough to nick the ball off opposing attackers. It is a shame but no great surprise that he has attracted the attention of richer clubs than Bournemouth, nor that he has plumped for Real Madrid and Real Madrid have plumped for him: his style of play looks an ideal fit for the style newly-arrived Xabi Alonso will seek to inculcate. A red-meat, iron-rich cuboid, Kerkez is nails in defence and enterprising in attack. Playing for Andoni Iraola is not easily done, and he is one of the players who makes a demanding method work: when the opposition are in possession, Bournemouth like to surround them on the ball-side even if they leave the big switch open, and Kerkez is a big reason why, a one-man left flank able – both mentally and physically – to deal with being left alone. Though Iraola is wedded to a system, within it there is scope for improvisation with 'drive the ball' one of his favourite phrases to describe what he wants from his players. And this is another area in which Kerkez excels: he is fast and strong but also skilful and intelligent, able to cover ground then produce something worthwhile at the end of the, er, action. No aspect of facing him looks pleasant. Anyone who knows anything about age-group football knew Lewis-Skelly was coming and yet, assessing his debut season as a first-teamer, he has confounded expectations nevertheless. Young players breaking through are often forced into positions that are not their favourite and Lewis-Skelly is one such, excelling at left-back while also inverting into his more natural midfield role. Like Bukayo Saka, who broke into the Arsenal team in the same role, Lewis-Skelly has a football brain of fearsome agility, his confidence in it and in himself equal parts inspiring and affirming. Because he knows exactly how good he is and that the game is as fun as it is serious, he oozes confidence and attitude, regardless of who he's playing with or against – just ask Manchester City or Real Madrid. And, in the meantime, his mother, through her organisation is helping other parents safely navigate football's shark-infested waters. Lewis-Skelly is a potential superstar. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Even before joining Manchester United, Yoro had a reputation as the best young centre-back in world football, but looked anything but when ravaged by Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana in January. Yoro, though – who arrived at Old Trafford with his own personal coach – studied his performance, learned from his mistakes, and hasn't been caught like that since. His physical qualities are obvious – an obelisk on skates, he is strong, tall and fast with seemingly extendable legs – so too his mental attributes and he has the composure to make correct decisions in difficult circumstances and the calmness to not to get caught up in the maelstrom of elite-level sport. But what sets him apart is his timing, particularly when tackling in the penalty area: he doesn't just win the ball, he confiscates it. In recent weeks, this sense has been put to increasing offensive use: Yoro is now exploiting the playmaking freedom Ruben Amorim gives his outside centre-backs. Starting by fizzing low, line-breaking, Roy Keane passes – there are few higher compliments – as his confidence grew he began driving forward with the ball, beating men and creating openings. Of course, it is impossible to rule out the possibility United ruin him, but for now, he is every bit as good as everyone said he was.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ange Postecoglou confirms huge Tottenham injury blow for Europa League final
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Lucas Bergvall will be absent from the Europa League final at a press conference on the eve of the clash with Manchester United. The midfielder has been missing since the end of April due to a significant ankle ligament injury and missed the semi-final victory over Bodo/Glimt. He was initially ruled out for the rest of the season but travelled with the Tottenham squad to Bilbao and was seen in training with the team. Despite hopes of a last minute return, Bergvall lacks match fitness and won't be involved in the game confirmed Postecoglou. The Tottenham boss said: "Team news is pretty much the same as last week. Lucas [Bergvall] isn't available so it's pretty much the same as last week." Bergvall will be a big miss for Tottenham after impressing in his breakthrough season at the club. The 19-year-old has only provided two assists in the Europa League this term but his impact in the middle of the pitch, winning possession, transitioning forward and tracking back has made him a favourite of Postecoglou's. However, there was a slight boost to Spurs as Pape Matar Sarr, another midfield injury doubt, was confirmed to be fit after he was taken off early against Aston Villa in the Premier League last Friday. Postecoglou has the opportunity to lead Tottenham to their first trophy since 2008 when his team take on Man Utd in Bilbao tomorrow but after their terrible Premier League campaign - they are 17th with one match left to play - rumours abound that the Australian will be sacked regardless of Wednesday's result. When asked for his thoughts on those rumours Postecoglou added: 'It doesn't matter really. The reality of it is, the opportunity is the same. For me and more importantly for the club. "Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is irrelevant when you think about the opportunity that exists right now and that is to provide something special for this football club, its supporters and everyone that has worked so hard for a trophy. I'm pretty good at ensuring my focus is on giving this football club its best opportunity that it has had for a while to do something special. "Whatever happens after that, I'm very comfortable that I will continue trying to win trophies wherever I am."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ange Postecoglou confirms whether Spurs star has chance for Europa League final
Tottenham have been hit with two huge injury blows ahead of the Europa League final in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and fans shouldn't get their hopes up about Lucas Bergvall making a recovery Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Lucas Bergvall won't recover in time to face Manchester United in the Europa League final. Bergvall, 19, damaged ligaments in his ankle last month and has missed Spurs' last four games. The Swedish midfielder is the fourth freshly-injured Tottenham player to be ruled out of next Wednesday's final. Bergvall joins Timo Werner, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski as well as long-term absentees Radu Dragusin and Dane Scarlett in missing the match in Bilbao. Postecoglou was asked ahead of Spurs' trip to Aston Villa on Friday if there was any chance that Bergvall, who's made 45 appearances in his first season with Tottenham, could make a miracle recovery. "No, it is still the same sort of timeframe," he reiterated. "He was never a long-term one but he has literally just got out of the boot and taken his first tentative steps on the grass but he won't be available." Bergvall's injury came just days before their semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt. "Lucas was devastated. He didn't want to deal with it and we didn't want to make it public, not as much about the opposition but to give him the time to process it," Postecoglou said earlier this month. "He's a young man. He had such a high in the week, he had signed a new deal, he was playing well, his whole family was out here looking forward to the game." Tottenham's morale has been tested this season with constant injury setbacks. Nearly every member of their squad has had a spell on the sidelines, with Postecoglou admitting that his players have become hardened to it. "I guess because it's been a constant with us during the year, we've kind of become almost accustomed to it," he explained. "It would probably be a bigger issue if we had a smooth run all year and got hit with injuries now and deal with missing key players, but we've pretty much been without key players all season. "There hasn't been a time where we had a three or four week spell with our strongest line-up, so the boys are getting on with it. They're disappointed for the people involved and Deki [Kulusevski] being the latest one because he had a fantastic first part of the year for us and was just working his way back into it. "At the same time as I keep saying to the group all along, you can't pick and choose when these opportunities come along. There could be other years where we don't have these disruptions and injuries, but we don't get to a final. The reality of it is now the opportunity is there and whatever happens between now and then, we've got to make sure we're ready for it." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
