The Lilywhites have endured a difficult season at N17, but there have been a few positives, ones that have kept Tottenham Hotspur supporters cheering and on the edge of their seats all season, and if we look at the brightest spot at Hotspur Way this season – it has been a certain Dejan Kulusevski.

Kulu has been a bright light in a difficult season at N17

In a sense, Kulusevski has adapted perfectly to the system that Ange Postecoglou has deployed at Spurs, and moreover, he not only is a standout performer in one facet of the game; the former Juventus man has adapted to multiple sides of the system and league, which has seen him thrive in various roles. He has been deployed in an attacking midfield position as well as in his preferred right flank role this season, and Dejan has performed exceptionally in both places.

In the middle, he has adapted quite well; he is quick to get out of tight spaces, takes the right decision about passing or dribbling most of the time, makes spaces for players around him, keeps on pressing relentlessly and, most importantly, keeps on contributing to goals and assists.

The Lilywhites have endured a difficult season at N17, but there have been a few positives, ones that have kept Tottenham Hotspur supporters cheering and on the edge of their seats all season, and if we look at the brightest spot at Hotspur Way this season – it has been a certain Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swede has adapted perfectly to the system that Ange Postecoglou has deployed at Spurs, and moreover, he not only is a standout performer in one facet of the game; the former Juventus man has adapted to multiple sides of the system and league, which helps him thrive in various roles. He has been deployed in an attacking midfield position as well as in his preferred right flank role this season, and Dejan has performed exceptionally in both places.

If you look at how he is performing since moving more inwards (in a midfield role), he has adapted quite well; being quick to get out of tight spaces, taking the right decision about passing or dribbling (well, at least most of the time), he does make spaces for players around him, keeps on with that intense pressure and, most importantly, keeps on contributing to goals and assists. And it’s this versatility that has allowed the Australian head coach to play Kulusevski in different tactical setups.

WATCH: Kulusevski speaks about playing in the middle

You could look at him and see that Kulusevski has the ability to read the game and anticipate the movements of his teammates, and this has been quite a key factor in his performances. And then also is how he always finds himself in the right place at the right time (be it when he wants to pass or make a late run into the box).

If you go out and ask a Tottenham supporter about him, it’s his work rate and commitment on the pitch that make everyone love him.

Tottenham could end up losing Kulusevski

But given how the Lilywhites have been struggling this season (if the North Londoners fail to secure a strong finish at the end of the ongoing campaign), they could well end up losing the 24-year-old, as teams would start looking to take him away from N17 given his performances (and with a sense of silverware and the possibility of competing among the elites).

It’s something that Ian Drake has also warned Tottenham about; the TV commentator in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News said how Kulusevski’s age, complemented by his profile and performances, has garnered a lot of admirers. And he expressed concerns about how the North Londoners could end up losing him if they don’t qualify for European football next season. He said:

“I know he’s been out, but when they’ve rested him or he’s been injured at times this season, they’ve missed him. He’s still young and could have a lot of admirers. Tottenham have to be so careful in the Europa League – if they don’t win it, they could lose key players.”

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• TTLB Opinion: Is Postecoglou the reason behind Maddison’s underwhelming season at Tottenham?
• TTLB Opinion: Tottenham target Branthwaite and Guehi – but who makes more sense?
• TTLB Opinion: Tottenham gets boost in 25GA winger pursuit, but there are clubs who need him more

While his contract at N17 is till 2028, it would be difficult to hold him (especially if he expresses desire to jump boats). And with Tottenham, there has been a history of losing big-name players when a decent financial consideration is presented – will it also end up being the case with Kulusevski?

AUTHOR OPINION

There is no denying that Dejan Kulusevski has been a beacon of hope for Tottenham Hotspur this season and while With his contract situation may make Daniel Levy feel secured, we have seen how financial and silverware goals have forced players to purse transfer before and hence it is going to be important for the Lilywhites to not only focus on keeping the Swede but also to make sure that there is an environment which backs ambition and competitiveness (something that is not the cast at the moment).