{"id":554695,"date":"2020-06-25T04:45:56","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T08:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=554695"},"modified":"2020-06-25T04:45:56","modified_gmt":"2020-06-25T08:45:56","slug":"how-steven-bergwijn-is-emerging-as-tottenham-hotspurs-secret-weapon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/06\/25\/how-steven-bergwijn-is-emerging-as-tottenham-hotspurs-secret-weapon\/","title":{"rendered":"How Steven Bergwijn is Emerging as Tottenham Hotspur\u2019s Secret Weapon"},"content":{"rendered":"

In what has been a frustrating 2019\/20 campaign for Tottenham Hotspur<\/a>, 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<\/a> only made the switch to north London<\/a> in January, but the Dutchman has made a quick impression. Offering an additional dimension to the likes of Harry Kane<\/a> and Son Heung-min<\/a>, Steven Bergwijn has emerged as an alternate weapon for providing the attacking firepower in the Tottenham attack.<\/p>\n

How Steven Bergwijn Is Emerging as Tottenham Hotspur\u2019s Secret Weapon<\/h2>\n

Pace and Directness in Abundance<\/h3>\n

In the few games Bergwijn has played in a Spurs shirt, the \u00a325 million man has demonstrated the surface of his skill-set. The 22-year-old\u2019s ability to use his pace while maintaining close ball possession has handed Jose Mourinho an extra attacking weapon.<\/p>\n

Bergwijn\u2019s early promise in his style of play can draw similarities to his teammate on the opposite flank. Son Heung-min\u2019s 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\u2019s forward-thinking play-style on the right side, which seemingly brings a fresher look to the Spurs attack which it so desperately needed.<\/p>\n

Again, like Son, the Dutchman has quickly established himself as a useful outlet in wider areas. Bergwijn\u2019s ability to hug the touchline opens up the potential for his teammates to enter the space created.<\/p>\n

However, Bergwijn hasn\u2019t shied away from drifting into more central areas. Having netted three goals in seven Premier League<\/a> appearances, the Dutchman should not go unnoticed in and around the box. Particularly, his positional awareness was evident in Spurs\u2019 3-2 defeat<\/a> to Wolverhampton Wanderers<\/a> in March; latching onto a loose rebound in the box to tap home. Bergwijn\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Shooting With Effect<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

His first Spurs goal needs no introduction. Facing Manchester City<\/a> 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<\/a> 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\u2019t saving.<\/p>\n

Bergwijn has found himself double dipping against Manchester clubs, scoring a fantastic solo-effort against Manchester United<\/a>. As the Dutchman flew past Harry Maguire<\/a> to fire home, Bergwijn\u2019s 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<\/a> would\u2019ve been disappointed with his efforts, Bergwijn again demonstrated his ability to generate a powerful shot in a flash.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, who is arguably quicker than Bergwijn, appears to be less effective at times where he looks to apply it.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>