While the likes of Son Heung-min and James Maddison have taken all the plaudits for Tottenham this season, Kulusevski has been an unsung hero, being a vital cog in Ange Postecoglou’s attack.

The Swede works tirelessly both on and off the ball and has posted some outstanding numbers this campaign, being up there with the best in the Premier League in terms of chances created per 90 minutes, touches in the opposition box and progressive carries (The Athletic).

Over the last couple of games, the 23-year-old has showcased his versatility, impressing in the number ten role in the absence of Maddison.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Kulusevki is a big fan of Ange Postecoglou

After netting Tottenham’s late equaliser in the 3-3 draw at Manchester City on Sunday, Kulusevski insisted that he and his teammates showed that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone if they work on their mentality.

When asked about Spurs’ high-risk approach under Ange Postecoglou, he told The Guardian: “I’m not questioning anything. I love exactly his [Postecoglu’s] mentality because that’s how I want to live my life.

“Doesn’t matter who you’re playing against or what you’re doing in life, just go. And if it messes up, it messes up. You did it with your heart. You’re not afraid. You’re trying to win the game, not trying to lose the game. I love the game plan.

“It’s hard, honestly, because they [City] are one of the best teams in the world and everything was not perfect, but we proved we can play against anybody. We just have a grow a little bit mentally.

“That’s the only thing missing. The football is there. The coach is there. We have everything at Tottenham. We just have to grow a little bit mentally and we’re going to be at the top.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The second-half performance against City will give the players the belief that they can dominate proceedings against any side when they bring their A-game. While we might have only got a point, the result is huge for the squad’s confidence and for momentum.

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Kulusevski is reportedly a very popular member of the changing room, with The Athletic describing the 23-year-old as a ‘player’s player’ last week due to his selfless nature and the way he works for the side in and out of possession.

If there is perhaps one complaint that Spurs fans have about the Swede, it is that a player of his quality should make more of an impact in the final third.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Kulusevski highlights area of his game to improve

The winger did that in dramatic fashion at the weekend against Manchester City in the 90th minute as he outmuscled Nathan Ake and got on the end of Brennan Johnson’s cross to turn it into the far-corner past Ederson, who was rooted to his spot.

Replays showed that it was not a particularly clean contact by Kulusevski but the Tottenham attacker is just delighted to have got something on the ball after what he has heard from Ange Postecoglou and his teammates.

He told Spurs Play about his equalising goal: “I like how shocked I was. So, here’s the story. I think I have to improve to attack the box.

“Every day, not only the coach, but every player in the team kills me for it. So I went in, I attacked the ball and the rest just happened. I didn’t even see the goal because I was on the floor.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Hopefully, the floodgates would now open for Kulusevski on the back of that goal as we cannot just rely solely on Son to get us the goals, with James Maddison still a while away from returning to action.

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We did not see the best of Johnson in his first few outings for Spurs, with the winger’s season being interrupted by some injury problems.

However, in the last two matches against Aston Villa and Manchester City, the 22-year-old has shown glimpses of his quality, demonstrating the kind of potential that convinced Tottenham to pay £47.5m for his services in the summer.

The Wales international troubled Josko Gvardiol with his pace and energy in the first half before doing the same in the second to Kyle Walker on the other end of the pitch in the second period.

Meanwhile, Kulusevski started as the number ten once again before moving to his familiar right-wing role in the second half, with Swede being a nuisance both on and off the ball for Pep Guardiola’s men.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Postecoglou wants more goals from Tottenham duo

The pair combined for Tottenham’s 90th-minute equaliser, with Kulusevski outmuscling Nathan Ake to get on the end of Johnson’s cross and send it sailing past Ederson into the top corner.

Ange Postecoglou told BBC Sport about the duo: “Deki [Kulusevski] was excellent the whole game and we count on him attacking the box from that side. 

“Him and Brennan [Johnson] have goals in them, we haven’t had enough out of them yet but they are there. It’s great those two combined for a great goal at the end.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While there has never been any doubt about Kulusevski’s quality, I always felt that a player of his ability needs to contribute more regularly in the final third, which he is now starting to do.

I have been thoroughly impressed by Johnson in his last two performances, with the 22-year-old appearing to grow in confidence with each game.

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Kulusevski started in the number ten role once again after his impressive performance in that position against Aston Villa last week and he was one of the few bright sparks for Tottenham in a relatively timid first-half display.

The Swede set up the away side’s opener as Son Heung-min ran onto his crossfield pass before producing a fierce shot across Ederson, which found its way into the back of the net.

Kulusevski then moved to his more familiar right-wing role in the second half after Ange Postecoglou replaced Bryan Gil with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at half-time and the Swede was a constant menace for Josko Gvardiol and later Nathan Ake after he replaced the Croat.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Dejan Kulusevski was Man of the Match for Spurs

The 23-year-old outmuscled Ake at the far post to meet Brennan Johnson’s cross for Tottenham’s late equaliser, and although replays showed the ball came off his shoulder, Crooks felt that the winger deserved to get the goal.

The former Tottenham man named Kulusevski in his Team of the Week and wrote about him in his BBC Sport column: “It was Kulusevski’s superb through ball that set Son Heung-min free to put Spurs 1-0 up within the first 10 minutes against Manchester City.

“From that moment on, the Sweden international’s game went from strength to strength. If anyone was going to get the equaliser at the end, it was Kulusevski.

“The way the player attacked the ball, and buried Nathan Ake in the bargain, was impressive. All credit to Tottenham – they were prepared to take the European champions on, and they did.

“With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in the side, the result might have been different. And that’s the point, isn’t it? Ange Postecoglou can walk away from this game knowing he’s not far away from having a top-four side.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham desperately needed both Kulusevski and Lo Celso to step up in James Maddison’s absence and both players have done so over the last couple of games. The Swede now appears to have found the kind of form that he showed in his first six months at Spurs.

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With three consecutive defeats to their name, Tottenham would probably have wanted to face any other team than Manchester City this weekend, especially at the Etihad. But, Ange Postecoglou‘s side found a way to match the Premier League champions.

Spurs even led the game, for roughly 90 seconds, after Heung-min Son finished off a swift counter-attack at one end, before knocking a Manchester City free kick into his own net moments later.

City went into half-time ahead thanks to a Phil Foden goal, but the Lilywhites came out fighting in the second half and pegged Pep Guardiola’s side back with 20 minutes left through a wonderful Giovani Lo Celso effort.

Ten minutes later, Jack Grealish put City ahead once more, and seemed to have quashed Tottenham’s efforts once and for all. But, with the clock hitting 90 minutes, Brennan Johnson floated the ball into the box and Dejan Kulusevski jumped highest and put the ball in the back of the net to snatch a point.

(Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Kulusevski is proud of Spurs’ fight

Speaking to Sky Sports (3/12/23 at 6:30pm) after the game, Kulusevski commented on his game-changing effort, the way the team played, and how close he feels Spurs came to actually winning the game.

He said: “It was an unbelievable second half from us and I’m proud of the guys and really we have to play like this all season… It was too bad that we conceded that goal because if we kept playing like that we would have won the game but we have to learn.

“There are a lot of things to learn but if we can just learn to get better mentally then we will be on top.”

Kulusevski also spoke to BBC Match of the Day about the character of the team and Postecoglou’s impact, adding: “I think the team itself has a strong belief but first half was not good enough. The coach was very angry at half-time. He said ‘guys stop thinking, just play’ and we came out better.

“The football is there, the coach is there and we can be at the top in the future.”

Spurs Web Opinion

What a performance from Kulusevski today, and he popped up when it really mattered again, too. He is really making that central role his own, and it will be interesting to see how Postecoglou navigates that once players like Maddison are back from injury.

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Kulusevski is quite under-appreciated by the media, perhaps because his goal output is nothing to write home about, with the winger only having found the back of the net three times in the Premier League so far this season.

However, there is no doubt that the Swede is crucial to Ange Postecoglou’s system, given his tireless running both in and out of possession.

The 23-year-old showcased his versatility against Aston Villa on Sunday, thriving in the number ten role and putting in a typically tireless display.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Teammates appreciative of Kulusevski’s selflessness

The Athletic have revealed that it is Kulusevski’s unselfish work that makes him quite popular in the Spurs changing room.

The report states that while the winger might be an unsung hero in the media, his work does not go unnoticed by the players and coaches at Hotspur Way.

It is said that many of them were very appreciative of the way that the Sweden international worked his socks off in Tottenham’s win over Luton Town last month after the Lilywhites were reduced to ten men.

The publication adds that due to Kulusevski’s unselfishness and commitment to the team, he is referred to by some at the club as a ‘player’s player’.

Spurs Web Opinion

One of Kulsuevski’s best qualities is undoubtedly his engine, with the former Juventus man capable of putting in sprint after spring throughout the 90 minutes. Given the emphasis that Postecoglou puts on pressing from the front, the 23-year-old is undoubtedly an invaluable part of the Australian system. 

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Kulusevski has only scored three goals in 13 Premier League matches this season but those numbers do not do justice to the winger’s output as he has been relentless both in and out of possession for Ange Postecoglou’s men.

The Swede was asked to play centrally as the number ten against Aston Villa and he thrived in the role, being unlucky not to find the back of the net.

The former Juventus man’s already tops the charts when it comes to running stats, with the 13km he in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth back in September being the most by any player in a single game this season.

(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Dejan Kulusevski is the perfect Postecoglou attacker

The Athletic have now revealed that Kulusevski has also created 2.1 chances per 90 minutes this season, which is the third highest in the Premier League.

In addition, the winger’s 8.7 touches in the opposition box per 90 is the fifth highest in the division while he is also in the top 10 per cent among wingers and attacking midfielders across Europe for progressive carries, with 5.8 per 90.

It is explained that the only stat where he performs badly is his shots per 90, which stands at just 1.9, putting him in the bottom half for wingers and attacking midfielders this season.

Spurs Web Opinion

Kulusevski is sometimes a little one-dimensional when he plays out wide but he looked much more of a threat against Aston Villa when playing through the middle. I would not be surprised if Postecoglou decides to keep him in the number ten role for the Man City clash.

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There were several surprises in the starting eleven that Ange Postecoglou named against Villa, not least the fact that Lo Celso was partnering Rodrigo Bentancur in the middle of the park, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg being left on the bench.

The Argentine was given the responsibility of playing deeper rather than in his customary eight/ten position, and he gave an excellent account himself, making great use of the ball.

The 27-year-old also got on the scoresheet, with his sweetly struck volley from the edge of the box being deflected into the back of the net.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Should Lo Celso start against Manchester City?

Lo Celso’s impressive performance in the deeper midfield role is certainly a welcome boost for Ange Postecoglou, particularly given that Bentancur is now expected to be out of action until February with an ankle injury (Sami Mokbel).

Kulusevski told Football.London about the former Real Betis man: “[Lo] Celso was so good and he’s going to help us. He showed today what kind of player he is and I expect him to play a lot more now.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While Lo Celso is extremely creative in possession, he does not offer much off the ball, which is why he needs to be paired with an athletic player such as Bissouma, Sarr or Bentancur in the middle of the park.

The pairing of him and Hojbjerg did not work as Villa were able to cut through us too easily at times when they won back possession.

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The fantastic start to the season, which saw Spurs climb to the top of the table after ten games unbeaten, is becoming a distant memory now.

Since that chaotic defeat against Chelsea at the start of this month, Tottenham have lost to Wolves and Aston Villa, and have seen even more players succumb to injuries and suspensions.

Ange Postecoglou had to field an unusual starting 11 for the game against Villa on Sunday, with Emerson Royal starting at centre-half, Giovani Lo Celso starting a game for the first time since Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure, and Dejan Kulusevski playing through the middle as a number 8.

Spurs could and probably should have won the game despite the issues they are facing. In the first half especially, the Lilywhites had ample opportunities to put the game to bed, with near misses and offsides holding them back.

(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Kulusevski is staying positive at Tottenham

Kulusevski is not concerned about the bad run Spurs are on, though, and hopes the fans aren’t either. He told the Standard: “It is important that we stay together, everybody in this club, and outside is not important what anybody else says.

“Inside, everybody needs to have a positive energy and help us players, because we will bring them happiness. We played unbelievable. First 30 minutes [were] unbelievable, fantastic from everybody. When you play like that, you want to win, but this is the way. We have to continue.

“We lost three in a row, that’s the big problem. The way we played, especially the first 30 minutes, we have to play like that for 90 minutes — then we cannot lose games. We have to improve only mentally. That’s the only thing.”

The Swedish star sees plenty to be positive about, adding: “Football-wise we are unbelievable, the coach is doing unbelievable with us.

“We have to just stay on track, believe in ourselves and keep playing like this. It’s small details. We should be up a couple of goals. If we are more clinical there would be smiles after the game.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It’s almost impossible to be disappointed with the results given how many key players we are missing right now. Our central defensive partnership is gone, our central midfield has had to change completely, and the absence of James Maddison‘s creativity is killing us. Roll on January!

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The injury problems for Spurs worsened at the weekend, after Ange Postecoglou was forced to replace Rodrigo Bentancur midway through the first half against Villa.

The Uruguay midfielder had only just come back from an eight-month ACL issue and was just starting to regain his place in the Spurs starting lineup and remind Tottenham fans what he was capable of.

However, a controversial challenge from Villa defender Matty Cash ended Bentancur’s game early on Sunday afternoon, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg replacing him in the middle of the park for the 2-1 loss at home to Villa.

(Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Kulusevski reveals Bentancur anger over injury

Postecoglou has already expressed his dismay at the setback for Bentancur (Football.London) and now Dejan Kulusevski has shared his feelings on the matter.

Speaking to the Standard, he said: “Rodri was really angry and he said it could maybe be more than a yellow card. It’s just hard for Rodri. Unbelievable person, unbelievable player. Out for eight months and comes back after two games and gets injured again.

“Life is hard. He has to stay strong and he has a great family to support him and good team-mates. It’s very hard [to see] because I love him as a guy. He’s the guy I want to go to war with and they take him out like that with a bad tackle. That’s life.”

Spurs Web Opinion

This is a real blow for Spurs, but I’m gutted for Bentancur more than anything. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to get yourself back playing after so long out, and to then get injured again so soon. Here’s hoping it’s not too lengthy an absence!

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With injury issues and suspensions seriously affecting the Spurs squad, Ange Postecoglou was forced to play a number of players outside of their normal roles in the game against Villa on Sunday.

That, of course, did offer some players an interesting opportunity to show what they can do. Emerson Royal and Ben Davies were selected at centre-half, Giovani Lo Celso got a rare start in midfield, and Dejan Kulusevski took on a central number 8 role.

Sadly, the match ended in defeat for Spurs, despite having a number of gilt-edged chances to put the game beyond doubt in the first half alone.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Kulusevski enjoys new central role against Villa

Kulusevski had one of those chances, hitting the post early on, but he is focused on the positives. Speaking to Standard Sport, he revealed how happy he was to play centrally.

He said (Standard): “I felt so good, I felt like the real Dejan. I felt like myself. The coach decided where to put me. I enjoyed it and I had real fun playing. It was a great day for me.

“I’ve done it [played centrally] all my life, so it’s nothing new to me. Of course, in the second half, I played right wing, but physically I feel really good, so I’m happy and I know I’m on the right path.”

Spurs Web Opinion

As frustrating as the result was, it was good to see Kulusevski in a different role and one where he looked really dangerous. I imagine we will see him play there again while we are short on players, though I do still feel like he’s strongest out on the right.

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Kulusevski has been back to his best for Spurs this season, and looks to be a man revitalised under Ange Postecoglou.

After a very difficult campaign last year, which saw Kulusevski struggle with injuries and lacking in form, it’s a refreshing sight to see the Swedish winger putting in the miles and reaping rewards in the final third once more.

He now has three goals this season for Spurs (Transfermarkt), which is already more than he bagged in the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign under Antonio Conte.

SOLNA, SWEDEN – MARCH 24: Dejan Kulusevski of Sweden during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group A match between Sweden and Belgium at Friends Arena on March 24, 2023 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski stars for Sweden

Clearly, a happy player is an effective player, and Kulusevski is definitely both of those things right now. And, it seems he is carrying that into the international set-up with Sweden, too.

Kulusevski played the full 90 minutes for Sweden in a 2-0 win against Estonia this week and, while he failed to score or assist in the victory, he has received positive comments from the Swedish press.

Fotboll Skanalen gave Kulusevski a three out of five rating for his performance, and said: “Created a lot. Almost got an assist when he cleared Gyökeres at the start of the second half. Good work rate.”

That work rate and creativity has been a key facet of Kulusevski’s game this year for Spurs, with The Athletic previously revealing the 23-year-old leads the way in the Premier League in terms of chances created, successful carries, and touches in the box per game.

Spurs Web Opinion

I’m glad to see Kulusevski continuing his good run of form and working hard once more. He’s right back at it this year and is only going to get better as he continues to work on his game and adapt to Postecoglou’s system.

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If there is one player that epitomises what Postecoglou expects from his players, it is arguably Kulusevski.

Not only is the Swede extremely aggressive on the ball, constantly looking to take his man on, but he also works his socks off out of possession, pressing the opposition incessantly. 

If there can be one criticism levelled at the 23-year-old, it is that he does not produce the kind of goal and assist output that a player of his calibre should.

The former Juventus man did get on the scoresheet against Chelsea two weeks ago, celebrating with hands on either side of his face to mimic blinders, and he admitted that he wants to find the back of the net more often.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Kulusevski is loving playing under Ange Postecoglou

When asked about that goal and his celebration, Kulusevski told Fotbollskanalen: “The coach had talked about it a few days before, that we should be like horses and only look ahead. It was just that.

“I like it (getting on the scoresheet). I haven’t had one in a while so now I’m going to try to make some more goals so I can do it more often.”

Postecoglou demonstrated in that loss to Chelsea that he will not compromise on his principles under any circumstances, with his side continuing to press and defend with a high line even when they had ten men.

When asked about the 58-year-old’s high-risk approach, Kulusevski responded: “It’s a dream for a player. We shouldn’t check the result or how much time is left in the match, we should just do what the game idea says. Regardless of whether it’s a home game, an away game or if we’re behind. It’s really nice.”

Spurs Web Opinion

After working with Conte for 18 months, with the Italian’s emphasis being on repetition, discipline and avoiding mistakes, it is understandable why the players are over the moon to play for someone like Ange, who gives them the freedom to express themselves and make errors.

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Kulusevski joined Spurs in January 2022 and has gone on to become a key player under both Antonio Conte and now under Ange Postecoglou, too. The Swedish star has scored ten goals and bagged 16 assists in 70 games for the Lilywhites (Transfermarkt).

His hard work and relentless running down the wing for Spurs this season has helped Kulusevski adapt to the requirements of Ange-ball effectively. Indeed, the 23-year-old currently displays all the traits one would expect from a traditional winger.

Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Kulusevski names the best Premier League wingers

That’s why he was the perfect person to conjure up a list of the all-time best wingers in the Premier League. Speaking to TNT Sports, Kulusevski praised former Spurs man Gareth Bale, and also picked a former Chelsea and Arsenal player, too.

In at number five is Bale, with Kulusevski saying: “We’ve never seen something like him before. He had an unbelievable shot, so fast playing with the ball, could go past people, play in a lot of positions and score a lot of goals. Unbelievable left foot, unbelievable player.”

Kulusevski’s next pick is former Chelsea and Arsenal star, Willian, who currently plays for Fulham. Controversially, Willian almost became a Spurs player before he left his medical to join the Blues, but Kulusevski insists he is “underrated” and “very good to watch.”

Struggling to accurately rate any of the more classic players like Ryan Giggs, Kulusevski next opts for Mohamed Salah at number three. The Spurs man says his Liverpool counterpart is “one of the best ever in the Premier League.”

In the runner-up spot, Kulusevski picks Cristiano Ronaldo, a player who needs no introduction, and who Kulusevski describes as a “fantastic” performer who is “one of the greatest of all time.”

And finally, Kulusevski’s number one winger in the history of the Premier League is Eden Hazard, who is actually one of his “favourite players from a young age.” Kulusevski explains how watching Hazard made him “happy” as he exuded “joy” and played with so much “freedom.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Of these, I think Bale and Ronaldo would probably make my list, but I’m a bit more old school than Kulusevski and would have included the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and David Ginola on my list.

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Postecoglou has already shown in his first few months at Tottenham that he will not compromise on his philosophy under any circumstances.

Perhaps the biggest demonstration of that came in Spurs’ defeat to Chelsea, where the Australian continued to play with an extremely high line and demanded that his players press from the front, despite playing the majority of the second half with just nine men.

The Tottenham head coach once again refused to compromise on his principles against Wolves even though his side were without several key players.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 11: Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on November 11, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)

Kulusevski is a big fan of unique Ange Postecoglou

The Spurs stars certainly appear to be enjoying their football under Postecoglou and Kulusevski has now admitted that he realised the 58-year-old was different to other coaches the very first time he spoke to him.

The winger also spoke in glowing terms about the Aussie coach’s ability to motivate the players ahead of games.

Kulusevski told Inside Spurs: “It’s a new experience for me because I never had a coach like him. I had a lot of great coaches but he’s a little bit different in every way. The first conversation we had was like he said he liked me as a player and he thought he could improve me a lot. 

“So from the first day, I already felt like he likes me and like he wants to use me. And then, after that, I just listened to his tactics every game and I just listen to what he wants from me.

“I think obviously he’s an unbelievable guy. I like people that speak and are motivational but obviously, he’s right at the top level of that.

“He’s number one in telling stories and getting us motivated for the game. Every time he speaks it’s just fun to sit and listen to what he’s going to bring today.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Now is the true test of Ange’s methods as we will see if the players continue to listen to him unconditionally, even if results do not go our way. 

I believe that they will continue to trust the former Celtic boss, given the clarity of his messaging and the fact that he does not blame the players when things do not work out.

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The ACL injury that Bentancur suffered back in February could not have come at a worse time for the midfielder, who had a fantastic first year at the North London club and become one of Tottenham’s most important players.

The 26-year-old admitted in an interview with Spurs Play recently that the eight months on the sidelines were quite challenging mentally and that he worked extremely hard to be back as soon as possible.

Bentancur has come on as a second-half substitute in Tottenham’s last three games and has already served as a reminder of just what the Lilywhites were missing, showcasing his tremendous composure in possession and tireless running off the ball.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur applauds fans during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Kulusevski is glad to have Bentancur on his side

Kulusevski, who played alongside the midfielder at Juventus as well, admitted that the Uruguay international is someone he will go to war with.

The Swede told Inside Spurs about his teammate’s return: “It just feels good. Feels good to be at war with him because he’s a warrior, he’s a machine, absolutely unbelievable. 

“How he’s been training with this injury, zero fear. Just going hungry. He wanted to play months ago. He was so hungry so definitely he’s a guy I want to go to war with.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Bentancur’s return is timely, given that Maddison is now out of action. While the former Juve man is a different player to the England international, he brings the composure and the technical quality in the middle of the park, which Spurs seemed to lack against Wolves until he came on.

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The evening started in perfect fashion before it all went downhill for Spurs, with Kulusevski putting the home side in front through a deflected effort on six minutes.

The Swede celebrated by putting a hand on either side of his face and he has now explained that it signalled tunnel vision.

When asked about his celebration, the winger told Football.London: ”It was just watch straight, don’t watch nobody else. Just listen to our coach, be with our team-mates and watch straight that is all. Nothing else.”

Tottenham certainly played with tunnel vision in the second half, continuing to be on the front foot and looking to create chances despite being down to nine men.

The home side took a gamble by playing an extremely high defensive line but the tactics almost worked as they came really close to getting an equaliser before Chelsea hit them on the counter-attack with two late goals.

(Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

Kulusevski is proud of the fight Tottenham showed

When asked if Spurs went down fighting, Kulusevski responded: ”We did for sure. I think we created a lot of chances and Eric Dier score a goal that in the end was offside, but then we had great opportunity with both Bentancur and Sonny.

”So, we created three chances and Vicario was unbelievable in the goal. We did really well and of course in the end they score the goals, but I am very proud of the team.”

The 23-year-old stated that he was really proud of the standing ovation that the players got from the home fans after the full-time whistle, admitting that it felt even better than a win.

When asked about the reception from the supporters, he said: “It was unbelievable, honestly. Some things are bigger than life, bigger than football, bigger than the wins. Honestly, I was really proud of that moment and the fans. I was grateful and it makes me want to give more back.

“We were proud, absolutely. We were very, very angry, but the coach was very proud and the players also. You cannot ask for more than this. We played with two guys off and we still competed at a high level. We created a lot of chances and did good, honestly. You cannot do more than this.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It would have been quite easy for the players’ shoulders to drop and for them to feel sorry for themselves after we went down to nine men.

The way we battled and continued to fight, with many of the fringe players standing up to be counted, showed the kind of mentality that is running through the squad.

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While there is no official confirmation regarding the severity of Van de Ven’s injury, the signs were not good on Monday night, with Ange Postescolgou admitting that the Dutchman’s injury looks ‘significant’ (Football.London).

To compound matters, Cristian Romero is also suspended for Tottenham’s next three matches against Wolves, Aston Villa and Manchester City after picking up a straight red card against Chelsea.

Eric Dier produced a battling display in what was his first appearance of the season against the Blues but it remains to be seen who will partner the Englishman at centre-back.

(Photo by Mick Walker – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Will Ashley Phillips be thrown in at the deep end?

While some might have expected Postecoglou to turn to Ben Davies, the Welshman would perhaps be required to play at left-back against Wolves, with Destiny Udogie also suspended for the trip to Molineux Stadium on Saturday.

When asked if Phillips is ready to step up, Kulusevski told Football.London: ”Yeah probably he is ready. It is the coach that decides that, but I think every player is unbelievable in the training.

“Everybody is ready, everybody wants to play and it is so high level the training. So, if he will be called, he will be ready.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that losing both Romero and Van de Ven at the same time is a huge blow for Tottenham and opposition teams will now fancy their chances of getting in behind our backline, given how high we defend.

I do not expect Postecoglou to start Phillips or Alfie Dorrington against Wolves. I believe he will start Emerson Royal at left-back and play Davies alongside Dier in central defence.

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Kulusevski has shown since arriving at Tottenham nearly two years ago that he is one of the most complete wingers in the Premier League.

Much like the majority of the Spurs squad, the Swede failed to showcase his best form under Antonio Conte last season, but he appears to be back to his old self so far this campaign.

The 23-year-old might only have two goals to his name so far this season but he is undoubtedly a crucial piece of Tottenham’s attacking jigsaw, with his ball-carrying, crossing and shooting ability making him quite dangerous in the final third.

Stats also bear out that the former Juventus man is one of the hardest-working players in the Premier League, working tirelessly on and off the ball for 90 minutes.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

How good would a lightning-quick Kulusevski be?

If there is one weakness that Kulusevski has, it is a lack of raw pace, which he admittedly would love to have more of.

When asked on Goal’s TikTok if he would rather be twice as fast or twice as strong, the Tottenham man responded: “Twice as fast, I would love to get faster.”

Spurs Web Opinion

If Kulusevski possessed a high pace and acceleration, he would arguably be one of the best attackers in the world as the Swede has almost everything else one would expect from a modern-day wide-forward.

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When he first arrived at Tottenham Hotspur back in January of last year, Dejan Kulusevski took the Premier League by storm. He ended the 2021/22 campaign with five assists and eight goals in his first 18 games for the Lilywhites (Transfermarkt).

Last season wasn’t a good time for anyone – apart from Harry Kane – with poor form and injuries affecting many Spurs players. Kulusevski certainly suffered, and finished the season with just two goals and eight assists from 37 games in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Kulusevski has already matched his goal tally from last term this year, and looks to be heading back to his best under new manager, Ange Postecoglou. He may be yet to register an assist this season, but his hard work has not gone unnoticed.

(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Postecoglou appreciates Dejan Kulusevski

In a report from The Athletic, it’s claimed Kulusevski’s numbers are not of concern for Postecoglou and the rest of the Tottenham coaches, as the 23-year-old is going the extra mile to bring positive results for the team in other ways.

In the report, Charlie Eccleshare explains how Kulusevski is “very popular” among his teammates and coaches, who all “love the effort he puts in.” His stats back this up, with the Swede having covered more distance than anyone in the division.

Particular moments are cited, such as the “almighty shift” he put in during the win over Luton when Spurs were down to ten men, and the “intensity” with which he performed against Bournemouth, too.

According to stats from Thom Harris at The Athletic, Kulusevski leads the way in terms of chances created from open play per game (1.9) and successful passes into the penalty area (3.4), while his dribbling is also top rate – he has 4.4 take-ons per game, with an average of 7.7 metres per carry.

The statistics show that Kulusevski is proving to be integral to Postecoglou’s desire to get higher up the pitch, and quicker, and the right-winger is seemingly getting in all the right areas – he also leads the way with touches in the box per game (8.4).

It’s said Kulusevski still has “plenty of scope to improve,” but is already impressing those around him with his work rate and involvement, regardless of numbers on the board.

Spurs Web Opinion

I’ve been really impressed with Kulusevski this season. If he can just start getting those numbers up a bit, I think all questions over his form will subside, but watching him play, you can tell he is doing all the hard work that’s asked of him and I’ve been really pleased to see that he seems to be more vocal and something of a leadership figure on the pitch, too.

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