Lucas Bergvall steps up as a leader in front of Tottenham’s senior players | OneFootball

It was a night to forget for Tottenham, as their hopes of reaching the Carabao Cup final were crushed in a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

While many of the club’s experienced players struggled to cope with the occasion, one of the youngest members of the squad showed maturity beyond his years.

Lucas Bergvall may not have had the opportunity to make a significant impact on the pitch, but his actions after the final whistle spoke volumes.

With some of his teammates looking eager to escape the scene of their worst performance of the season, the young midfielder reminded them of a fundamental responsibility.

For Tottenham, the loss wasn’t just about conceding four goals—it was about failing to fight, failing to respond, and failing to meet expectations.

But as frustration settled in, a small moment involving Bergvall and a senior player highlighted the stark contrast in attitudes within the squad.

A lesson in leadership from Lucas Bergvall

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg | Carl Recine/GettyImages

According to Football London’s Alasdair Gold, Rodrigo Bentancur was visibly distraught as he headed straight for the tunnel after the final whistle.

However, before he could disappear, he was stopped by Bergvall, who reminded him to acknowledge the 6,000 Spurs fans who had made the long journey to Merseyside.

It was a gesture that, while small, symbolised the frustration of supporters and the lack of leadership within the team.

Tottenham had failed to register a single shot on target in 90 minutes, and rather than stepping up, key figures like Bentancur, Heung-Min Son, and Yves Bissouma appeared overwhelmed by the occasion.

Gold described the moment in his column: "Liverpool are the best side in Europe right now and they are devastating at times in their play with players at the peak of their powers, but the least Tottenham could have done for those 6,000 travelling fans was turn up and put up a fight and look like they weren't terrified by it all."

Tottenham’s identity crisis

The defeat at Anfield further exposed Tottenham’s ongoing struggles this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s philosophy revolves around courage and aggression, yet his team displayed neither against Liverpool.

"The entire Postecoglou ethos is about being brave and bold, while taking the game to the opposition no matter the circumstances. This performance was anything but. It was timid, meek and terrified at times," Gold added.

While Bergvall’s intervention won’t change the outcome of the match, it serves as a reminder that leadership isn’t solely about experience.

Perhaps, in Tottenham’s darkest moments, their youngest players are the ones setting the example.