Tottenham Hotspur’s qualification for the Champions League at the end of the 2024/25 campaign was a superb achievement, handing the fanbase a reason to be positive after a dismal season.
Playing up against some of Europe’s elite will hand a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime – not to mention the financial benefits to the football club.
Such funds have allowed the board to back Thomas Frank in the transfer market, subsequently landing the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons in recent months.
The duo cost upwards of £100m during the recent window, but will inject needed quality and talent into the frontline in the Lilywhites’ hopes of building on their Europa League triumph.
Both players made their European debuts for Frank’s side in last night’s clash against Villarreal, but how did they fare in the 1-0 triumph on home soil?
Simons & Kudus’ performances against Villarreal
Dutch international Simons started his second game for Spurs last night, but doing so once again in a slightly unnatural left-sided midfield role – rather than his preferred number ten position.
However, he still managed to produce some admirable numbers, completing three passes into the final third and completing two out of the three long balls he attempted.
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The 22-year-old also managed to make three interceptions and made three recoveries out of possession – showcasing the impact he had at both ends of the pitch.
As for Kudus, he continues to go from strength to strength for the Lilywhites, producing yet another impressive performance against the LaLiga side in North London.
The Ghanaian international completed two successful take-ons, along with a 50% cross completion rate, arguably being the side’s most potent threat throughout the encounter.
He further managed to impress by completing 86% of the passes he attempted, but like Simons, also offered a workman-like display out of possession, making six ball recoveries.
Despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other first-team member managed to trump them both and produce a first Champions League appearance to remember in the triumph.
The Spurs star who’s becoming Frank’s best player
Spurs’ recruitment over the last couple of years has been sensational – as seen by the recent displays produced by big-money additions Kudus and Simons.
However, the groundwork has been laid in years gone by, even making stellar additions even before Frank took the reins from now Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou.
Such additions allowed the Aussie to claim European glory last time around, with Frank hoping to achieve similar success in the near future, given the talent at his disposal.
Not all of the signings made have had to result in huge sums being spent, as demonstrated by the bargain £8.5m deal to land Lucas Bergvall from Djurgarden last summer.
The 19-year-old may still be working his way into the spotlight, given his tender age, but he’s already become a crucial cog within the Lilywhites’ first-team over recent months.
He’s already racked up over 50 senior appearances for the North London outfit, with last night one of his most impressive showings since his move from Sweden.
The teenager started at the heart of the side last night, arguably being the most impressive talent within Frank’s side as they kick-started their Champions League campaign.
Minutes played
89
Touches
31
Pass accuracy
80%
Dribbles completed
50%
Blocks made
1
Recoveries made
1
Fouls won
2
Match rating
8/10
Bergvall, who was labelled as a “superstar” by Spurs writer Mitch Fretton, featured for 89 minutes, making 80% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 50% of his dribbles.
Such numbers highlight the threat he posed with the ball at his feet, not to mention the ball he whipped into the box that was fumbled by Luiz Junior, which resulted in the only goal of the game.
The Swede also made one block and one recovery, offering an excellent box-to-box option at the heart of Frank’s side during the European triumph in North London.
As a result of his display, Bergvall was handed an 8/10 match rating by the Daily Express’ Jack McEachen, whilst also claiming the Man of the Match award – further highlighting his superb display against the Yellow Submarine.
Such a display has made him a key component of Frank’s first-team squad, with the sky truly being the limit for the sensational teenage talent.
If he can continue on his current development path, there’s no reason as to why he can’t be one of the first names on the teamsheet – potentially offering a better addition than big-money signings, Kudus and Simons.
