Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was caught on camera berating Tottenham debutant Lucas Bergvall after the young midfielder’s mistake handed Leicester City a golden opportunity during Tottenham’s frustrating 1-1 draw on Monday evening.
Despite the teenager’s impressive cameo, this moment of naivety almost cost Spurs the match, leading to a significant talking point among fans and pundits alike.
Bergvall’s Cameo: A Silver Lining for Spurs
Tottenham’s season opener was filled with anticipation, but the excitement quickly turned into frustration as Leicester held them to a draw. Despite dominating much of the game, Spurs failed to secure all three points, with Jamie Vardy’s equalizer dampening the mood just before the hour mark. Ange Postecoglou, in his first Premier League game as Tottenham manager, chose to start only one of Spurs’ four new signings, Dominic Solanke. Fans had to wait until the 78th minute to see 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall in competitive action.
When Bergvall finally took to the pitch, he did not disappoint. The young Swede showed flashes of brilliance, creating a chance, recording a 96% pass accuracy, and completing two out of his three attempted dribbles in just over twelve minutes of play, according to Fotmob. His composure and skill on the ball provided a glimpse of the potential he holds, making his debut a positive takeaway for Spurs supporters.
Jamie O’Hara Criticizes Vicario’s Reaction
However, Bergvall’s promising debut was overshadowed by a single moment of inexperience. Deep in his own half, the teenager failed to clear the ball, gifting Leicester a golden chance to score. This mistake did not sit well with Spurs’ new goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, who was seen berating Bergvall on the pitch. The Italian’s reaction sparked debate, with former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara weighing in on the incident.
Speaking to Grosvenor, O’Hara expressed his frustration with Vicario’s behavior, stating, “I’m really annoyed with Guglielmo Vicario, because of the way he dug Bergvall out when he gave the ball away and conceded that chance. Not one Spurs player was showing for it. The way he came out, all guns blazing, shouting at the young lad – that’s bang out of order!”
O’Hara went on to question Vicario’s leadership, pointing out that the goalkeeper had not shown the same level of anger when Cristian Romero allowed Jamie Vardy a free header in the six-yard box. “Vicario is meant to be a leader, but he wasn’t shouting at Romero when he left Jamie Vardy free in the six-yard box for a free header. I hated that as a player, and if it was me, I would’ve turned around to him and put him in his place,” O’Hara added.
The former Spurs player also defended Bergvall, predicting a bright future for the young midfielder. “Bergvall is going to be a top player for Tottenham. Vicario needs to sort himself out and not do that again because that is poor leadership.”
Understanding Vicario’s Reaction and Bergvall’s Mistake
While O’Hara’s criticism of Vicario is understandable, it’s also important to consider the context in which the Italian goalkeeper reacted the way he did. Vicario’s frustration likely stemmed from the high stakes of the match and the fact that Tottenham was in a vulnerable position at the time. For a goalkeeper, mistakes in defense can be particularly costly, and Vicario’s outburst may have been an instinctive reaction to the pressure he was under.
On the other hand, Bergvall’s mistake, while costly, is also understandable given his age and experience. At just 18 years old, Bergvall is still in the early stages of his career, with only a season of senior football under his belt, and that too in the Swedish league. The transition to the Premier League, with its higher intensity and faster pace, is bound to be challenging, and errors like the one he made against Leicester are part of the learning curve.
Vicario’s reaction, while harsh, may have been intended to serve as a wake-up call for Bergvall, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and not giving the ball away cheaply in such crucial situations. In the high-pressure environment of the Premier League, where one mistake can change the course of a game, it’s vital for young players to learn quickly and develop the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level.
Encouraging Signs for the Future
Despite the criticism and the mistake, Bergvall’s overall performance was highly encouraging. His ability to create chances, maintain a high pass accuracy, and take on defenders with confidence suggests that he has the potential to become a key player for Tottenham in the future. His pre-season performances also indicate that he is adapting well to his new surroundings and is ready to make an impact in the Premier League.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Postecoglou manages Bergvall’s development. Given the promise he has shown, many Spurs fans are eager to see him feature more prominently in the first team. Pairing him with more experienced players like James Maddison and perhaps even fellow youngster Archie Gray could provide a balanced midfield that combines youthful energy with seasoned know-how.
So
While Guglielmo Vicario’s reaction to Lucas Bergvall’s mistake has sparked debate, it’s crucial to remember that such incidents are part of the learning process for young players. Bergvall’s debut, despite the one error, was filled with promise and showcased his potential to become a top player for Tottenham. As he continues to develop and gain experience, moments like these will serve as valuable lessons, helping him grow into a more complete and resilient footballer. For Tottenham, the future looks bright with talents like Bergvall in their ranks, and fans will be eager to see how he progresses under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou.
