Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall has been sublime so far this season, but he’s not the only “superstar” teenager at Spurs as one youngster vies to battle the Swede for a place in Thomas Frank’s starting eleven.
The 19-year-old is making his £8.5 million fee look like peanuts after an excellent first year and a half in north London.
Since joining from Djurgardens in February last year, with Tottenham beating Barcelona to Bergvall’s signature, the midfielder has worked his way into the first-team and made a grand total of 45 appearances in all competitions last term.
Bergvall suffered an ankle injury towards the end of 2024/2025 which prevented him from playing a role in the Europa League final, or in the semis, but the Scandinavian sensation is truly back with a bang.
Appearances
51
Goals
2
Assists
6
Bookings
8
Minutes played
2,625
via Transfermarkt
He scored his first ever Premier League goal for Tottenham in a 3-0 London derby win away to West Ham, sending an expertly guided looping header over Mats Hermansen, and earned a Man of the Match award for his display.
Just a few days later, Bergvall played a key role in Luiz Junior’s own goal to hand Tottenham a 1-0 win over Villarreal in their Champions League opener, earning his second Player of the Match award in quick succession.
Barcelona are still reeling after missing out on the midfielder, according to Spanish news outelt AS, and it really isn’t difficult to see why.
Bergvall has been called Tottenham’s next potential superstar, leaving fellow highly-rated young midfielder Archie Gray with a mountain to climb as he looks to establish himself as a key player undder Frank.
The 19-year-old did extremely well in his debut season, and under very difficult circumstances. Ange Postecoglou thrust Gray into the centre of defence amid Spurs’ injury crisis last season, having been asked to play an unfamiliar and uncomfortable role during what was a very trying time.
The former Leeds United star earned due praise for this, but Bergvall’s form, combined with Tottenham’s extra senior options, has limited Gray’s playing time to just 89 minutes so far this term.
Archie Gray vying for Lucas Bergvall's spot at Tottenham
However, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, Gray is not one to back down from a challenge, and will battle Bergvall for a place in Spurs’ squad.
“I think it’s a wake-up call. Look at what Lucas Bergvall is doing. Gray is one of those players who will not shy away from a fight. I’ve seen him since he was 14, so I’m a bit biased,” Bailey told TBR Football.
“He’s an absolute superstar. He should be pushing for England contention, though he probably won’t. He has all the potential in the world, and it’s good that he’ll now be seen more as a midfielder.
“It hasn’t helped him in the past, but Tottenham appreciated what he did last season when he filled in at the back. He could do that because he’s a brilliant footballer with a brilliant football mind. That’s why he could play in defence, he is that good.”
Sharing further insight, Bailey still refused to rule out the prospect of a temporary move away for Gray in January.
“He could be a good Premier League defender, but he’s potentially a world-class midfielder. Tottenham have two absolute superstars in Bergvall and Gray,” he added.
“In terms of a loan, I don’t think Gray will want that, but we’ll see. Sarr is playing well, Bergvall is playing well. Gray is probably fifth or sixth in the pecking order at the moment, but it will be interesting to see how he breaks through.”
Archie Gray must get game time at Tottenham this season
To further his development, it is vital that Frank hands Gray the minutes he deserves.
After weathering the storm of Tottenham’s 2024/2025 season, he’s more than earned his place in the senior set-up, with his versatility also potentially very attractive to Spurs’ new boss.
It is still very early days, and injuries could still take their toll on the squad to hand Gray a route back into regular first-team action.
Ideally, he’d earn his place via a different route, but Frank will still welcome his players working hard to battle for a place in what is now a much stronger Lilywhites side in terms of depth compared to last year.