‘Bergvall’s Got That Ability To Create Space For Himself But Also Works Hard For The Team’: Ange Postecoglou Lauds Teenager Following Winner Over Liverpool – News18

Last Updated:January 09, 2025, 13:29 IST

Tottenham boss Postecoglou hailed the efforts of his side and the performance of the 18-year-old Swede who ended up making the difference in the London side’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinal.

Premier League outfit Tottenham picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinal clash between the sides on Thursday as Lucas Bergvall netted the lone strike of the game.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou lauded the efforts of his side and the performance of the 18-year-old Swede who ended up making the difference.

Postecoglou has demonstrated his faith in youth as he fielded a couple of 18-year-olds in Bergvall and stopper back Archie Gray.

“Name me another Premier League team that’s got two 18-year-olds and one playing out of position consistently,” Postecoglou told reporters.

“I’m so happy they’re at our football club and you know, in two or three years’ time, I just pray to God I’m the beneficiary of their talent, mate, because if somebody else is getting it, I won’t be happy,” he added on the development of his teenage players.

Bergvall found the back of the net in the 86th minute of the game, which turned out to be the difference between the teams on the side and Postecoglou elucidated the qualities of the Swede that make him an asset to the London side.

“I just don’t think people really understand the level of performance that these young guys are giving us at the moment,” he added.

“He’s got that ability as a footballer to create space for himself. He’s got the quality, but he works awfully hard for the team as well.

“I’ve got no doubt that when we get our players back, the foundations are really strong, with a group of players we can really grow with.”

Postecoglou also handed new recruit Antonin Kinsky his Spurs debut and the Czech shot-stopper managed to maintain a clean sheet.

“We had a goalkeeper on debut. Djed’s playing left back, unbelievably well. Lucas is just growing all the time.

“I threw him a mammoth task today to play against the best team arguably in the world at the moment, in a big game, a semi-final. He just handled it awfully well,” Postecoglou said.

Spurs hold a slender advantage ahead of their travel to Anfield for the return leg of the contest.

“We haven’t achieved anything, but I think just that feeling of having a victory against a top opponent in a big game, I’m really pleased for everyone,” Postecoglou concluded.

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