Yves Bissouma is available for selection against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup after serving a one-game ban
Tottenham Hotspur finally bounced back to winning ways on Sunday, beating Southampton 5-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium in the Premier League.
Despite as many as 10 first-team players missing, the North Londoners put up a show against a rock-bottom Southampton, who sacked their manager Russell Martin after the game. Owing to injuries to Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies, Ange Postecoglou was forced to use Archie Gray in central defence again. And the 18-year-old performed very well.
Up ahead in midfield, Yves Bissouma was suspended for picking up fellow yellow cards in the previous game. Rodrigo Bentancur was already serving a seven-game domestic ban, meaning Postecoglou needed someone to hold the midfield. With limited options at his disposal, he handed Lucas Bergvall his first Premier League start in a Tottenham shirt.
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Lucas Bergvall shone in his first Premier League start for Spurs vs Southampton
Lucas Bergvall enjoyed a strong display against the Saints, running the show from a deeper midfield role. The young Swede’s presence at the base allowed Pape Matar Sarr to surge forward and attack the opponent’s box more often. Overall, he had a composed outing last weekend.
Next up for Spurs is a Thursday Carabao Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester United. Yves Bissouma is available for selection after serving a one-game suspension, and the Malian is in line for a recall.
Facing the media ahead of the game on Wednesday, Postecoglou was asked about the competition between Bergvall and Bissouma. He stated in his pre-match presser. (h/t Football London)
“It’s good to have an option there. Lucas did fantastically well the other night and he has done in the last two or three games he has played for us as he’s really made an impact, but the other night I thought he was really good. In the first half he really showed maturity playing that role, discipline and real quality as well. It’s good to have that option.
“Having Biss available is great as well. I’ll make a decision tomorrow but at the same time that was Lucas’ first start for quite a while and he did tire noticeably in the second half so we’ll have to see how he’s recovered from the game.”
Tottenham star Yves Bissouma highlighted for holding 'his own' against European favourites.
Tottenham star Yves Bissouma missed the Southampton game due to suspension
Healthy competition is required within the squad if Spurs are to become a force under Big Ange. Having Bissouma back from suspension is a plus for Big Ange and Co. amidst the injury crisis.
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The African midfielder’s experience, energy and work rate will be required in this festive period starting from the game against Man United. Despite blowing hot and cold, the 28-year-old could get the nod ahead of Bergvall in the middle of the park on Thursday.
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Bergvall did well on Sunday but did tire in the end, so the Spurs boss will look to bring him off the bench in the cup game. It will be interesting to see how the Australian tactician sets up his team against the Red Devils.