Resurgence at Tottenham Hotspur- Dejan Kulusevski
Tottenham Hotspur have experienced a resurgence in form in recent weeks, and at the heart of this revival has been the incredible performances of Dejan Kulusevski.
The 24-year-old Swede has transitioned into a central midfield role with aplomb under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou. This tactical shift has allowed Kulusevski to flourish, making him a pivotal figure in Tottenham’s midfield trio alongside James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur with Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner on the wings.
Kulusevski saw himself primarily deployed on the right wing before this season. His pace, dribbling ability, and knack for cutting inside to create goal-scoring opportunities made him a key asset in wide areas. That, though, somehow did not work out for the Spurs as expected and Deki, without his creativity or goalscoring knack, was, frustrating to watch on the wing.
Well-deserved praise!
However, Postecoglou’s decision to move him into a twin number-8 role has unlocked a new dimension to his game. Positioned centrally, Kulusevski now operates as a bridge between Maddison’s creative flair and Bentancur’s defensive prowess, providing the perfect balance in the midfield.
This season, Kulusevski has featured in the central midfield role in four out of Tottenham’s six games, notching up a goal and two assists. These statistics, while impressive, only tell part of the story.
In the standout 3-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Dejan Kulusevski was the highest-rated player on the pitch as per FotMob. His performance was nothing short of sensational, creating NINE chances and dominating the midfield battle. This display not only highlighted his attacking capabilities but also his ability to contribute defensively, demonstrating his remarkable growth into the role.
Kulusevski’s performance against Manchester United was a masterclass in midfield play. Erik ten Hag’s side struggled to contain him as he dictated the tempo of the game. His vision and creativity were on full display as he carved open the United defence time and time again. The fact that he created nine chances in a single match is a testament to his burgeoning influence on the team. It’s not often that a player can seamlessly adapt to a new role and deliver such high-calibre performances in a short space of time, but Deki has done just that.
Sheer Excellence.
While his attacking contributions have been eye-catching, Kulusevski’s work rate and defensive responsibilities have been equally impressive. In the central midfield role, he has shown an ability to press effectively, win back possession, and support his teammates defensively.
This balance of offensive and defensive duties has made him an invaluable asset in Tottenham’s system. His intelligence and positional awareness have allowed him to break up opposition play and initiate counter-attacks, adding a new layer of versatility to his game.
The synergy between Dejan Kulusevski, Maddison, and Bentancur has been a key factor in Tottenham’s recent success. Maddison, known for his creative flair and ability to unlock defences, has thrived with Kulusevski providing support and balance. Bentancur’s defensive solidity has allowed both Maddison and Kulusevski the freedom to express themselves in advanced positions. This harmonious blend of attributes has given Tottenham a dynamic and fluid midfield, capable of controlling games and providing a solid foundation for their attacking play.
Partnership.
Kulusevski’s role as the perfect balance between Maddison and Bentancur cannot be overstated. From what we have seen so far, his ability to contribute offensively while also fulfilling defensive responsibilities has made him an essential cog in Postecoglou’s system.
He has the vision and creativity to link up play and create chances, while also possessing the tenacity and work rate to press high and win back possession. This dual threat makes him a nightmare for opposition defences and a crucial player for Tottenham.
His transition into the central midfield role has been remarkably smooth. He has quickly adapted to the demands of the position and has shown a great sense of teamwork and a spirit of selflessness, submitting himself for the greater good of the football club instead of making a fuss about wanting to play in what most would perceive, a natural position for him on the wing.
Deki’s performances have been consistently high, and he has grown into the role with each passing game. This rapid development suggests that there is still more to come from the Swede, and Tottenham fans can be excited about his potential to become a key player for years to come.
Mate.
As the season progresses, Kulusevski’s role will surely be crucial in determining Tottenham’s fortunes. His ability to influence games from midfield will be vital in their quest for silverware. The early signs are promising, and if he continues to perform at this level, there is every reason to believe that Tottenham can challenge for honours this season. Maybe even win, who knows?
As much as his work deserves credit, some should rightfully go towards Postecoglou and his coaching staff. To identify a position he last played in during his U19 and U17 days at Parma as the one in which he will flourish in the Premier League, and to take that gamble of actually trying it out as well, deserves a fair share of credit. Reaping the benefits of a solid few months of work, courtesy of the backroom staff and the player himself.
The blend of creativity, defensive solidity, and balance that he brings to the team is something that few players can offer, making him a unique and valuable asset. His performances in recent weeks have been nothing short of sensational, and he has quickly become a key figure in Tottenham’s midfield.
The way he balances Maddison’s creativity and Bentancur’s defensive skills has certainly been key to our good form. Kulusevski’s knack for making an impact both in attack and defence shows he’s smashing it in his new role and can continue to do so. Proper buzzing about this. Come on, you Spurs!
