Scouting Hugo Larsson: Strengths, Weaknesses and Tactical Fit for Tottenham Hotspur

Now, according to renowned journalist Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing another promising young talent to bolster their squad. The Lilywhites are reportedly in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson—a 20-year-old Swedish international who has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting midfield prospects. However, Spurs may face a major hurdle in securing his signature, with reports suggesting that Frankfurt will demand a hefty fee in the region of €60 million.

To complicate matters further, Tottenham are not alone in their pursuit. Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also tracking Larsson closely, setting the stage for a potential bidding war this summer. With competition fierce and the price tag significant, Spurs will need to move decisively if they hope to bring the talented Swede to N17.

Who is Hugo Larsson, the player Tottenham want?

Hugo Larsson has been turning heads this season with his performances for Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. The 20-year-old midfielder hails from Svarte, Sweden, where he began his footballing journey with local youth teams before being snapped up by Malmö FF’s academy in 2021. It didn’t take long for his talent to shine through, and he made his professional debut for Malmö’s first team on March 3rd, 2022. From that moment, Larsson’s rise has been swift and impressive.

After a standout season in Sweden, Larsson made the leap to German football, joining Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023. Since then, he has quickly established himself as a key figure in their midfield. According to Transfermarkt, the Swedish international has already amassed 76 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals and registering three assists—a remarkable tally that reflects both his durability and influence on the pitch.

As per Sofascore, the Frankfurt No.16 has played 38 games already this season in all competitions. The midfielder is averaging a match rating of 6.89 and has a stellar 87.9% passing accuracy and has successfully attempted 28 key passes this season. This shows how impactful Larsson has been at the heart of the midfield for Frankfurt and how much the team relies on his output.

Tactical analysis of how Hugo Larsson plays

The Swedish international has been a central figure in Eintracht Frankfurt’s midfield this season. Under the guidance of manager Dino Toppmöller, the 20-year-old has taken on significant responsibility, frequently tasked with dictating the tempo and orchestrating play from deep. Whether deployed as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role, Larsson has adapted seamlessly, showcasing a maturity and composure that belies his age.

Technically gifted and tactically intelligent, Larsson can be classified as a progressive midfielder with a keen sense of control in high-pressure moments. His ability to retain possession under pressure and influence the rhythm of the game makes him a valuable asset in build-up play. Larsson’s passing range is one of his standout traits, capable of threading incisive balls through defensive lines or switching play with ease. He’s also comfortable driving the ball forward, breaking lines and creating chances for teammates. Adding to his all-rounded profile, the youngster has an eye for goals, demonstrating efficiency when opportunities arise.

However, like any young player, Larsson’s game still has areas that need refinement. Standing at 1.87 metres, he possesses a good physical frame, but surprisingly, he isn’t particularly dominant in aerial duels—a weakness that can be exposed in set-piece situations or defensive transitions. Additionally, the Swedish midfielder can at times appear hesitant when tasked with quick ball recovery and doesn’t consistently excel in ground duels. These limitations slightly affect his defensive output, particularly in high-intensity, press-heavy systems.

That said, these are not glaring flaws but rather aspects of his game that can be improved with experience, coaching, and physical development. Given his intelligence, technical foundation, and willingness to learn, Larsson has every chance to round out his game and evolve into a complete midfielder over the coming years.

How can he fit in at Tottenham?

Tottenham are built on the foundation of free-flowing, high-intensity attacking football under Ange Postecoglou. The Australian manager’s tactical blueprint revolves around quick transitions, fluid movement, and relentless pressing. Spurs thrive on counter-attacks and demand energy, sharp decision-making, and full commitment from their midfielders for the entire 90 minutes. It’s a physically and mentally demanding system that leaves little room for passengers.

However, there’s a noticeable void in Postecoglou’s squad, a true box-to-box midfielder. While Tottenham boast solid options in deeper roles with Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray, and Pape Matar Sarr, and more advanced outlets like James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Dejan Kulusevski, the midfield lacks a player who can genuinely bridge the gap between defence and attack. They need someone who can win the ball back, drive forward, dictate tempo, and contribute in the final third, essentially, a dynamic engine who can thrive at both ends of the pitch.

That’s precisely where Hugo Larsson could slot in seamlessly at the heart of Tottenham’s midfield. The 20-year-old would offer a fresh dimension to Postecoglou’s squad, someone capable of operating in both defensive and attacking phases with equal effectiveness. His positional awareness, composure on the ball, and intelligent movement would allow him to control the rhythm of the game while seamlessly adapting to Spurs’ high-tempo transitions.

Larsson’s ability to pick passes from deep, carry the ball forward, and link play between the lines would inject much-needed balance into Tottenham’s midfield. In short, he has the potential to be the complete midfielder Spurs have been missing, one who can influence games at both ends of the pitch.