In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, where young talents can skyrocket to stardom overnight, Tottenham Hotspur's latest signing is turning heads. Lucas Bergvall, the 18-year-old Swedish midfielder, has drawn glowing comparisons to one of the game's brightest stars: Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham.
Former Spurs winger David Bentley, speaking on talkSPORT's Inside Spurs podcast, didn't hold back in his praise, labelling Bergvall a "Bellingham type" for his fearless forward runs and unshakeable mentality.
Who Is Lucas Bergvall? The Swedish Prodigy Taking Tottenham by Storm
Lucas Bergvall isn't just another academy hopeful—he's a proven commodity. The versatile midfielder joined Tottenham from Djurgårdens IF in a £8.5 million deal back in January 2024, but it wasn't until the 2024-25 season that he truly began to shine. At just 18, Bergvall has already notched his first senior goal for the club and demonstrated a rare blend of defensive grit, technical finesse, and goal-scoring instinct.
What sets Bergvall apart? His ability to slot into multiple midfield roles, from deep-lying playmaker to box-crashing dynamo. Postecoglou also hinted at Bellingham parallels (while he was at the club), noting Bergvall's "unique traits" while stressing the young Swede's ongoing development. With his blend of physicality and composure, Bergvall embodies the modern midfielder archetype that's dominating European football.
David Bentley's Bold Comparison: 'He's Like That Bellingham Type'
David Bentley, a Tottenham legend with over 50 appearances for the club during his 2006-2010 stint, knows a gem when he sees one. On Inside Spurs, the ex-Arsenal youth product dissected Bergvall's early-season form with infectious enthusiasm.
"He’s a great player, so positive on the ball. And if you’ve got a player like that in your team, making them forward runs. He’s like, you know, that Bellingham type, sort of running forward, that strong with the ball,” Bentley said.
Bentley didn't stop there. He highlighted Bergvall's mental resilience, a trait that's defined Bellingham's meteoric rise from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid stardom.
“And his head never goes down. He makes mistakes. And he seems like a player that can brush off mistakes easily. And to have a player like that in your team, it certainly sets that tempo,” he added.
These words paint a vivid picture: Bergvall isn't just talented; he's the kind of player who elevates those around him. Bentley's endorsement carries weight—after all, he shared the pitch with some of Spurs' all-time greats and understands the demands of White Hart Lane.
Breaking Down the Similarities: Why Bergvall Echoes Bellingham's Style
Jude Bellingham, now 22, has become synonymous with explosive midfield dominance—think surging runs, thunderous strikes, and a never-say-die attitude that's earned him Ballon d'Or whispers. At 6'1" with a bulldozer-like presence, Bellingham thrives on carrying teams forward. Enter Bergvall: slimmer but no less dynamic, the Swede mirrors this with his "positive on the ball" approach and penchant for line-breaking passes.
Key parallels include:
- Forward-Thinking Mentality: Both players excel at transitioning from defense to attack, using their strength to drive through challenges.
- Resilience Under Pressure: Bellingham's shrugged-off errors in big Champions League nights? Bergvall's already showing the same bounce-back ability in Premier League scraps.
- Versatility: Whether anchoring midfield or bombing forward, they adapt seamlessly, adding unpredictability to their teams.
Of course, Bergvall isn't at Bellingham's level yet—few are. But as Bentley notes, his "tempo-setting" presence could be the spark Tottenham needs amid their push for European glory.
The Verdict: Bergvall, the Next Big Thing in Premier League Midfields?
David Bentley's comparison isn't hyperbole—it's a prophecy. Lucas Bergvall's blend of positivity, power, and perseverance evokes Jude Bellingham at his Borussia Dortmund breakthrough. As Tottenham eyes silverware, this "Bellingham type" could be the heartbeat of their ambitions. Keep an eye on the kid from Sweden; the Premier League's next superstar might just be wearing lilywhite.
