In what has been a frustrating 2019/20 campaign for Tottenham Hotspur, highlights have come at a rarity. But one bright light has emerged from this dismal season that can offer Spurs fans a slight glimmer of hope. Steven Bergwijn only made the switch to north London in January, but the Dutchman has made a quick impression. Offering an additional dimension to the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, Steven Bergwijn has emerged as an alternate weapon for providing the attacking firepower in the Tottenham attack.
How Steven Bergwijn Is Emerging as Tottenham Hotspur’s Secret Weapon
Pace and Directness in Abundance
In the few games Bergwijn has played in a Spurs shirt, the £25 million man has demonstrated the surface of his skill-set. The 22-year-old’s ability to use his pace while maintaining close ball possession has handed Jose Mourinho an extra attacking weapon.
Bergwijn’s early promise in his style of play can draw similarities to his teammate on the opposite flank. Son Heung-min’s possession of frightening direct speed and ambidextrous ability on the ball tends to give opposition defenders a nightmare. The addition of Bergwijn looks to be mirroring Son’s forward-thinking play-style on the right side, which seemingly brings a fresher look to the Spurs attack which it so desperately needed.
Again, like Son, the Dutchman has quickly established himself as a useful outlet in wider areas. Bergwijn’s ability to hug the touchline opens up the potential for his teammates to enter the space created.
However, Bergwijn hasn’t shied away from drifting into more central areas. Having netted three goals in seven Premier League appearances, the Dutchman should not go unnoticed in and around the box. Particularly, his positional awareness was evident in Spurs’ 3-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in March; latching onto a loose rebound in the box to tap home. Bergwijn’s positional sense and not being afraid to venture into the penalty area can be a useful tool for Spurs, who have been looking for alternate sources of goals.
Shooting With Effect
While many wingers tend to flex their ability to run, the shooting aspect can sometimes be forgotten. Bergwijn will rightfully be appreciated for his pace and dribbling, but his shooting ability should not be underestimated.
His first Spurs goal needs no introduction. Facing Manchester City is a daunting task at the best of times, and to be thrown into a starting role a few days after completing a transfer is a different challenge. That was no problem for Bergwijn, as he fired in a powerful effort past Ederson to send the Tottenham faithful into raptures. The goal itself had highlight-reel qualities in abundance; a great bit of chest control and an instinctively fierce shot that most goalkeepers aren’t saving.
Bergwijn has found himself double dipping against Manchester clubs, scoring a fantastic solo-effort against Manchester United. As the Dutchman flew past Harry Maguire to fire home, Bergwijn’s explosive burst of speed was clear to see. What was most impressive was his ability to shift away from the oncoming defender; through the heart of the United backline, all while keeping it under his control. While goalkeeper David de Gea would’ve been disappointed with his efforts, Bergwijn again demonstrated his ability to generate a powerful shot in a flash.
A move of such quality highlights the necessity of Spurs needing more attack-minded wingers who can use their pace and shooting effectively. The likes of Lucas Moura, who is arguably quicker than Bergwijn, appears to be less effective at times where he looks to apply it.
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