Dejan Kulusevski would play an instrumental role under Thomas Frank at Tottenham
Tottenham continue to struggle with creativity in the final third as they look to turn their season around. The Lilywhites have been defensively solid for large parts of the campaign, but their attack has lacked spark and imagination. Without a consistent creative presence, the strikers have been starved of service and are often left feeding on scraps against difficult opponents.
Injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have significantly disrupted the way Spurs operate this season. Both players were instrumental in linking midfield with attack, regularly creating opportunities for their teammates. Since their long-term injuries, however, Tottenham have struggled to find that same attacking rhythm or the creative spark that once allowed them to dominate games.
The club brought in Xavi Simons during the summer to operate as a number ten under Thomas Frank. However, the Dutchman has failed to make any real impact at N17 and continues to find it difficult to adapt to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League. His struggles only underline how crucial Maddison and Kulusevski were in the playmaking role before their setbacks.
Tottenham are missing Dejan Kulusevski this season
Dejan Kulusevski, in particular, was among Tottenham’s standout performers last season before his injury. The Sweden international played a pivotal role in everything the team achieved, shouldering much of the creative responsibility under Ange Postecoglou. His contributions were vital as the Lilywhites defied expectations to win the Europa League, further emphasising his importance within the squad.
The 25-year-old has not featured competitively for Spurs since May as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury. Reflecting on Tottenham’s current struggles in front of goal, John Wenham highlighted just how valuable Kulusevski is to the team. Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham said,
“I think Kulusevski, until his injury last year, was not only Tottenham’s outstanding player, but one of the best in the Premier League. He was so dominant in the strength that he has, his technical ability, his passing, and scoring a few goals as well.”
The Lilywhite Rose owner added,
“He’s an outstanding player; he has the ability to be a world-class player as well if he can gain consistency in his game time. The ability is absolutely there, he’s got big club experience having played at Juventus as well as Tottenham. For me, I think he’s so good that once he does get up to speed, he walks into our strongest XI.”
As Wenham rightly points out, Kulusevski played a crucial role in Tottenham’s Europa League triumph last season before suffering his injury in May. He believes the Swedish international possesses all the qualities needed to become a world-class player at N17 if he can maintain fitness and consistency. His creativity remains one of his most valuable attributes and will make him an instant starter under Thomas Frank once he returns to full fitness.
Kulusevski is still some way from a full recovery following his knee injury and has yet to return to training on the grass. The club is hopeful that he can make a comeback sometime next year. Tottenham will be cautious not to rush him back too soon, as any setback could prolong his absence.
