From Djurgården to Premier League Star: What We Can Learn from Lucas Bergvall’s Breakthrough, and Who’s Next?
Despite the youngster’s season-ending ankle injury, the 19-year old Swedish International has enjoyed plenty of success this season. From breaking into the team during an injury crisis to becoming one of Tottenham’s most important players in the second half of the season, Lucas Bergvall played a crucial role in Spur’s road to an Europa League Final.
When Lucas Bergvall signed for Tottenham Hotspur from Djurgårdens IF, in February of 2024, there was a quiet optimism surrounding the teenage Swedish midfielder who was set to arrive that summer. Touted as one of Scandinavia’s brightest prospects, Bergvall was snatched away from the hands of FC Barcelona who were heavily linked to being the next destination for the Swede.
Bergvall’s technical ability and mature presence on the pitch belied his age. Still, few could have predicted the immediate impact he would have on the Premier League. However, the rapid success of Lucas Bergvall at Tottenham highlights the growing importance of data analytics in scouting as well as identifying talents from leagues outside the Top-5 European leagues. Key indicators such as progressive passes, pass completion rate under pressure, and defensive actions per 90 minutes showcased his ability to thrive in a high-tempo, possession-oriented system.
Despite performance data from Swedish league Allsvenskan being unavailable, Bergvall’s data profile from this season is indicative of a player who has the potential to be a world-class midfielder. Bergvall currently sits in the 84th-percentile for progressive carries and in the 97th-percentile for successful take-ons relative to other midfielders in Europe’s top-5 leagues and the UCL & UEL. Additionally, Bergvall has a shot-creating action of 1.63/90 minutes along with 21 carries into the final third this season. His ability to maintain possession and carry the ball forward under pressure, combined with his intelligent playmaking, was evident in his match data. Analytics can identify his potential to be a versatile and world-class midfielder.
Who will be the next breakthrough sensation?
Georges Mikautadze
The Georgian striker is quietly having a breakout season in Ligue 1 for Lyon. In the 2024–25 season, Mikautadze has scored 17 goals and 11 assists in all competitions and sits in the 99th-percentile for assists per 90 minutes in the forward position. His tactical intelligence and versatility has been crucial for Lyon this season. With a transfer value of around 20 million euros according to Transfermarkt.com, Mikautadze should be a player to keep an eye out for this summer as several Premier League clubs are already interested in his services.
Rayan Cherki
Mikautadze’s fellow teammate Rayan Cherki has also started to attract several European clubs with his performances out in France. Cherki currently has 12 goals and 19 assists this season for Lyon, and leads all players in Europe’s top 5 leagues in assists and expected assisted goals per 90 minutes. Cherki also sits in the 98th-percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the attacking midfield/winger position. With a release clause rumoured to be around 20 million euros, many clubs around Europe including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are currently linked to a transfer for Cherki.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
The 20-year-old has also had a breakout season this year becoming an important player in the Borussia Dortmund team. Gittens has scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists this season, including a goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabau. Gittens sits in the 99th-percentile for successful take-ons per 90 minutes along with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Junior, and also sits in the 91st-percentile for progressive carries per 90 minutes. Jamie Gitten’s performances have attracted interest from several clubs in Europe including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle. The competition for his signature will be strong this summer window, and Dortmund will certainly command a hefty transfer fee for the youngster.
James Mcatee
Much like Cole Palmer prior to his move to Chelsea, the talented young midfielder has struggled to earn consistent game time in the stacked Manchester City team. Despite only playing 945 minutes for City in all competitions this season, Mcatee has scored 7 goals. The midfielder also currently sits in the 99th-percentile for non-penalty goals and expected goals per 90 minutes in the attacking midfield/winger position. Several Premier League clubs have identified Mcatee as a transfer target for this summer window, and City would likely be willing to sell him at a low fee in order for him to find more consistent game time.
By analyzing Bergvall’s performance data, clubs could have projected his capacity to adapt and thrive in more demanding environments. This case exemplifies how data-driven scouting can uncover talents poised for success at higher competition levels.
While it’s still early days, there’s no doubt that Lucas Bergvall has all the makings of a Premier League star. If his trajectory continues, Tottenham may have unearthed not just a gem, but a future world-class midfielder for years to come.
Some of the names mentioned in this blog should be looked out for this summer and the next season, as these youngsters could very much be on their way to another breakthrough season according to statistics.