Ange Postecoglou’s guys have indeed played some attractive football this season, especially in the Premier League, where they sit in seventh place. Despite having lost thrice, one could argue that those defeats were due to a lack of luck and they may have even had a case to stay unbeaten so far in the campaign.
Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke have been among their top performers, having contributed consistently in front of goal for the last couple of months. However, the one man who truly deserves the plaudits for the amazing work he does is Dejan Kulusevski.
Optus Sport pundit Michael Bridges has credited the Swedish international for his work so far in the season, whilst also pointing out at his physique as a reason why he is now a better version of himself. Bridges was quoted by TBR Football saying:
“My biggest criticism has been of Kulusevski that he hasn’t been consistent. He hasn’t looked as fit as what I think he can do in the past seasons. I will say under Ange, he looks as lean as I’ve ever seen him. Like you say, the new position seems to suit him and he’s playing the style of football that he is absolutely relishing. So I think it’s a match made in heaven with the way Ange has got him playing and what he’s doing. And Ange has given him the freedom.”
Put in simpler words, it has almost been a case of trade offs between Postecoglou and Kulusevski this season. The offensive department arguably being overstaffed, the former Juventus midfielder was seen as an ideal midfield option for his manager though it came on the condition of being physically adept, which he has gladly obliged.
It looks likely that disciplined players like Kulusevski will soon be the ones to break Tottenham’s barren run without silverware, as the work he has put in has made him a crucial fixture in the Premier League games this season, with Tottenham dominating in midfield with his efficiency off the ball as well – a characteristic that was missing since the past few seasons.
Kulusevski, a player endorsed by Cristiano Ronaldo too, is slowly becoming a fan favorite and receiving the credit he rightly deserves. Let’s keep our eyes peeled to see how his development goes under Postecoglou for the near future as well and if indeed a more offensive role is in store at some point for the player, given that his eye for goal has proven to be an asset too.