'Enormous benefit'- Postecoglou pleased with two Tottenham stars in dissapointing draw vs Rangers

Inside the hostile Ibrox atmosphere, Lucas Bergvall didn’t shrink and proved himself. He helped the visitors from North London get back into the game against Philippe Clement’s side. Tottenham’s midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison failed to control the tempo of the game and that changed when Big Ange introduced the Swedish duo—Bergvall and Kulusevski.

Another youngster who shone in a Spurs shirt was Archie Gray. Owing to injuries to centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, compounded with veteran Ben Davies’ unavailability, the youngster filled in at centre-back and partnered Radu Dragusin.

Archie Gray has played at right-back, left-back, central midfield and now in central defence, and barring a few shaky moments against Rangers, he did admirably well and completed 90 minutes.

Speaking to the media after the game, Ange Postecoglou was effusive in his praise for the teenage duo against Rangers.

“He’s [Gray] 18, it’s a big experience for him. I thought he handled himself really well. We’re asking himself to do something that as an 18-year-old in his first year at this level, to play in an unfamiliar position in such big games, I thought it’s outstanding what he’s doing,” Postecoglou said to Football London.

“I thought Lucas was excellent when he came on as well. He was due to start tonight but wasn’t feeling well today. He was a bit under the weather today. We had to keep him on the bench, but that’s a massive positive for us. Those two as 18-year-olds to be already contributing and experiencing these things will be of enormous benefit to us.”

Bergvall was tasked with gaining control and poise in midfield which the trio of Maddison, Bentancur and Bissouma failed to do, and in fairness to the young Swede, he repaid the boss’s faith in him. He was composed in possession, progressed the ball, read the game well and matched the intensity of the Rangers midfielders.

As for Gray, he initiated a lot of play from the back, and while it wasn’t a complete success, the intention was right and would have pleased Big Ange. He demonstrated his versatility and composure on the ball once again, and given his tender age and lack of experience in European competitions, it was utterly impressive from the Durham-born talent.

With Bergvall and Gray both shining under the lights at the Ibrox, the future of Spurs indeed appears to be bright.