AliousTottenham Hotspur’s struggles this season have exposed a harsh reality—this squad may simply lack the quality needed to survive in the Premier League.
While injuries and a fragile mentality have played their part, there’s a growing sense that several players have consistently underperformed, raising serious questions about whether this is just a dip in form or a deeper, long-term issue.
Spurs fans can only dream of the kind of game-changing brilliance once provided by Gareth Bale in attack, or the midfield mastery of Luka Modrić—a player capable of dictating tempo and inspiring those around him.
Those qualities have been glaringly absent through managerial changes from Thomas Frank to Igor Tudor, and now under Roberto De Zerbi.
Although De Zerbi wasn’t responsible for the January signing of Conor Gallagher—a £35 million arrival backed by ENIC—the midfielder is already under intense scrutiny.
Far from being the solution, Gallagher’s performances suggest he could be heading toward an early exit from North London.Gallagher Failing to DeliverThe England international is still searching for his first Premier League win in a Spurs shirt, a statistic that underlines his difficult start.
His displays in midfield have been underwhelming, lacking both creativity and control. Despite his work rate, Gallagher has struggled to influence games meaningfully—frequently losing possession and failing to create clear chances for the attack.
His recent outing against Sunderland may prove a turning point. Even though De Zerbi has shown faith in him, such a poor performance could see him dropped for the upcoming clash with Brighton.
The decision to pair Gallagher with JoĂŁo Palhinha in a double pivot has also drawn criticism.
While Palhinha excels defensively, the partnership offers little in terms of progression or attacking intent, leaving Spurs’ midfield static and predictable.Bergvall Emerges as Spurs’ “New Modrić”In contrast, young talent Lucas Bergvall is rapidly gaining attention as a potential solution.
Though still developing, the Swedish midfielder has shown flashes of brilliance that hint at a much higher ceiling.Bergvall brings composure, technical quality, and forward-thinking play—traits Spurs have desperately lacked.
His ability to glide past opponents and carry the ball into dangerous areas has stood out in a struggling side.
Comparisons to Modrić may be premature, but his style and confidence on the ball suggest he could evolve into a similar creative force.Despite limited starts this season, Bergvall has made a noticeable impact.
His dribbling success rate and willingness to drive the team forward offer a stark contrast to Gallagher’s more conservative and error-prone displays.
A Defining Decision for De ZerbiWith relegation fears looming, De Zerbi faces a crucial decision. Sticking with Gallagher as a central figure in midfield could further hinder Spurs’ already blunt attack.
Turning instead to Bergvall may inject the creativity and dynamism needed to spark a turnaround.While Bergvall is far from the finished product, he already appears better suited to the demands of a progressive midfield role.
If Tottenham are to avoid disaster, prioritizing his development over Gallagher’s persistence might not just be bold—it could be necessary.
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