Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall have become very close friends at Tottenham Hotspur.
The two Sweden internationals have had great seasons so far. Kulusevski really stepped up this campaign, while Bergvall has surprised many people.
The teenager wasn’t expected to play too many games this term, but injuries at Tottenham have forced Ange Postecoglou to use him in the middle of the park.
Bergvall has been earning rave reviews in recent weeks, and Postecoglou has credited Kulusevski for helping the youngster improve in one key area.
Ange Postecoglou says Dejan Kulusevski has forced Lucas Bergvall to work in the gym
When Bergvall first joined Tottenham, his size was viewed as a potential issue.
Many people felt that the physicality of the English game could be too much for him. Even James Maddison admitted that he thought Bergvall was more of a technical player.
But, after watching his performances in recent weeks, the England international changed his mind and said that he’s actually ‘a bit of lump’.
Postecoglou was asked in his press conference if physicality was something Bergvall has been working on behind the scenes.
The Australian claimed that Kulusevski has had a role to play in that improvement.
He said, as per Football London: “I think everyone has worked with him, the coaches have worked with him, he’s worked on it.
“I don’t think he’s left Deki’s side since he’s been here and Deki is in the gym all the time. He’s a great role model for him and I think if nothing else, Deki has forced him to get in there and work hard on his game.
“He’s also an outstanding technical player. I think his technical proficiency is still his greatest asset. He’s growing, you’ve got to remember he’s only just turned 19.
“He’s still a very young man and if he keeps building up physically as well, to the standard of the Premier League, particularly in that midfield position, you need, if you have that physical ability and that technical proficiency, then you’ve got a decent player on your hands.”
Did Lucas Bergvall get injured during Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar?
Bergvall started against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday and was mostly brilliant. He played a big part in helping Tottenham go through to the quarter-finals.
However, in the 84th minute of the game, the teenager was taken off by Postecoglou, and that led to some concerns over whether he had suffered an injury.
Thankfully for Spurs fans, Bergvall was just cramping up after putting in a great shift against the Dutch side, and Postecoglou confirmed that he is well.
“Yeah, yeah, he’s fine,” said the Australian.
Tottenham take on Fulham on Sunday, and it remains to be seen if Postecoglou will hand Bergvall another start in the middle of the park.
